Amazon Discover Review
at Amazon
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Software Engineering
London
Review Submitted: June 2023
Overall Rating
3.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Experience
3.3/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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Company Culture
4.5/5
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Overall Experience
4/5
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Recommendations and Advice
Overview of Experience
Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
The insight was a two-day event in which attendees went to a series of panels and workshops in order to learn more about Amazon and improve their interview skills. The panels covered everything from learning about Amazon's inclusivity groups and learning & practicing programming, including data structures and algorithms, in a small Zoom meeting of around 8 participants, with a mentor. In this smaller meeting, everyone had their microphone and camera on, and personal feedback was provided.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
It gave me a better view of Amazon's internal workings, especially when it comes to the application of their Leadership Principles. I also found it really valuable to hear that frontend opportunities are available in the software development engineering internships during the Q&A near the end. Overall, I left this Insight Week having a much better understanding of Amazon than when I went into it, and I have a better idea of what my place at Amazon might be.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
4/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
Yes: I learnt how to perform better in interviews, both technical and non-technical. When it comes to technical interviews, I learnt, in the smaller workshop, the importance of clearing up ambiguities and clarifying requirements from the interviewer (or would-be client). You should avoid making assumptions. For example, if asked to implement a deck of cards, it was stressed we should not assume what the deck contains, and instead ask relevant questions to find this information out.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
4/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around industry-specific skills during the experience?
3/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around personal or professional skills during the experience?
3/5
Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
3/5
Company Culture
How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
3/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
The company culture and general atmosphere were both really positive. I especially found my mentor during the workshops to be really friendly and easy to talk to; and they were happy to go over things that we could do better on. We also learnt about the Amazon Leadership Principles, which gave a great insight into the company culture, and it's clear Amazon employees care about these principles a lot and make it a part of their daily life at Amazon.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
2/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
5/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I enjoyed the insight tons, and I definitely found it worth it. However, some of the content during the panels was a bit repetitive and not that useful/interesting. I do understand, however, that the insight event has to cater to everybody, including those who might not have as large a knowledge base about how Amazon's internships work coming into the event. Overall, I would recommend it to others who are considering applying; it was a lot more useful and fun than I might have thought!
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
4/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was not paid and had no expenses
Recommendations and Advice
Please rate the future employment prospects at Amazon
4/5
Would you recommend Amazon to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Amazon
I would advice you, first of all, to read up and try to digest/soak in the Amazon Leadership Principles, as they seem to play a really core part of the interview process. I'd also recommend coming to this Insight Event! It's genuinely been very helpful and I think it'll give me a great leg up when it comes to applying for and interviewing for summer internship roles at the company. In terms of interview advice: make sure you ask enough clarifying questions.
