Securing an internship at Amazon is a dream for many aspiring professionals, offering a high-paying, educational, and diverse experience. Amazon is known for its innovation and customer-centric approach, making it an ideal destination for those looking to kickstart their careers. In this step-by-step blog post, we’ll guide you through the entire process of landing an internship at Amazon, from selecting the right role to perfecting your application, completing assessments, preparing for interviews, and understanding the eligibility requirements. We’ve got you covered every step of the way.
How to Get an Amazon Internship?
Getting an internship at Amazon is a significant achievement that can shape your career and provide valuable experiences. Amazon interns have the opportunity to work on projects that directly impact users and gain exposure to a wide range of technical roles. Below are step-by-step process of how to get an internship at Amazon, providing additional insights and tips to boost your chances:
Step 1: Select the Ideal Position
Your journey towards an Amazon internship begins by choosing the right role. Amazon offers a diverse range of internship opportunities, divided into two main categories: business internships and technical, engineering, and research internships. To start, visit Amazon Jobs and explore these opportunities by category and region. With positions available in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, and more, you have the flexibility to choose where you’d like to intern. To enhance your chances of selection, opt for a role that aligns with your educational background and personal interests. Passion for your chosen field is a key factor.
Step 2: Tailor Your Resume for Success
Creating a meticulously tailored resume is a critical step in distinguishing yourself in the application process. To successfully navigate Amazon’s applicant tracking system (ATS), it’s imperative that your resume incorporates pertinent keywords derived from the job description. Striking the right balance between optimization and quality is the key. Thoroughly scrutinize the skills and qualifications outlined in the job listing and seamlessly integrate them into your resume.
Your resume serves as your initial introduction to potential employers, and optimizing it to align with Amazon’s specific requirements can significantly enhance your chances of passing through the initial screening process. By strategically including the essential keywords and demonstrating your suitability for the role, your resume becomes a powerful tool to make a lasting impression.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Once your resume is finely tuned, visit the Amazon Jobs website to submit your internship application. Click on the “Apply now” button for your desired internship, and create an Amazon Jobs account. You’ll be prompted to submit your resume (either as a digital file or a link to your LinkedIn profile), provide your contact details, and furnish additional information such as your educational background and work eligibility. Notably, Amazon does not require cover letters. Their application process is streamlined, focusing on the resume’s content.
Step 4: Complete the Assessments
If your application passes the initial screening, you’ll move on to the assessment stage. This involves a “work style assessment” and a “work sample simulation.” Prepare for the first assessment by studying Amazon’s interview guide and leadership principles. The second assessment may require you to demonstrate role-specific skills. Software development engineer applicants should explore technical topics like data structures and algorithms.
Step 5: Prepare for Interviews
Receiving an interview invitation is both exciting and nerve-wracking. Fortunately, Amazon provides an interview guide to help you prepare effectively. Pay close attention to Amazon’s leadership principles, as they are integral to the interview process. Amazon expects candidates to showcase their leadership skills using real-life examples during interviews. When responding to behavioral questions, Amazon recommends using the STAR format:
- Situation: Describe the situation and its complexities.
- Task: Explain your goal in that situation.
- Action: Detail the steps you took to address the situation, focusing on action.
- Result: Communicate your accomplishments with metrics or data, if applicable.
Typically, you’ll undergo a phone interview initially and then a virtual or in-person interview. Amazon brings in interview specialists known as “bar raisers” to evaluate candidates. Impress them, as their feedback can significantly impact your selection.
Here are Some Additional Tips and Details Regarding Amazon’s Eligibility Requirements for Internships:
- Amazon’s internship eligibility requirements are clear and easy to understand.
- To be eligible for an Amazon internship, candidates should be currently enrolled in either a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree program. The program should be related to fields such as Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, or Electrical Engineering.
- While prior technical experience is certainly a plus, it’s not an absolute prerequisite. Amazon values a diverse pool of candidates and doesn’t strictly require previous technical work.
- Having familiarity with a contemporary programming language, such as Python, Java, or C++, can significantly strengthen your candidacy. Additionally, experience in object-oriented design is a valuable asset and can improve your chances of securing an Amazon internship.
What Experience and Qualifications are Required?
Amazon’s internship eligibility requirements are straightforward and fairly typical. To apply, you must be actively pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in fields like Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, or related majors. It’s worth noting that the authors of this guide applied as math majors, highlighting the flexibility of Amazon’s requirements.
While not a strict requirement, Amazon does prefer candidates with prior technical experience. This can be a significant advantage. Specifically, having proficiency in at least one modern programming language such as Python, Java, or C++, coupled with expertise in object-oriented design, is highly valued. This technical background can make your application more competitive.
How and When to Submit Your Application?
When to Apply:
Amazon’s application system is rolling, with roles opening and closing throughout the year. Applying in the summer before your academic year is a good strategy, as this is when most positions become available. However, Amazon continually introduces new roles, so check the website periodically to seize opportunities.
How to Apply:
The Amazon internship application process comprises two key stages. Firstly, you’ll need to complete an online application, providing details about your relevant prior work experience, technical skills, and supporting documentation. After submission, Amazon will carefully review your application. If your application progresses successfully, you will receive an invitation to undertake a virtual assessment.
The virtual assessment is a critical phase and involves an online challenge that assesses your problem-solving and coding capabilities. Depending on the specific role, this assessment may include questions related to algorithms, data structures, and object-oriented design. You’ll have a limited time of 3-4 hours to complete the assessment, underscoring the importance of effective time management and a thorough review of the questions.
Upon successful completion of the virtual assessment, Amazon will contact you to schedule a series of interviews. The interview format can vary from one team to another but typically includes 1-2 technical interviews and 1-2 behavioral/cultural interviews. These interviews aim to evaluate your problem-solving and coding skills, as well as your interpersonal competencies, communication style, and alignment with Amazon’s values.
Types of Positions at Amazon:
Amazon offers a wide range of internship positions catered to different fields. Among the sought-after roles for interns are software development engineers, DevOps engineers, machine learning engineers, product managers, data scientists, and operations analysts. Internships are available in various domains, from research and development to marketing, operations, finance, and human resources. Irrespective of the specific role you’re seeking at Amazon, the crucial element in the application process is to remain authentic, display your technical acumen and expertise, and exhibit genuine enthusiasm for Amazon’s mission and core principles.
Different Application Methods:
Securing an internship at Amazon can be achieved through various methods. Each approach has its unique advantages, so choose the one that suits you best. The avenues for applying to an Amazon internship are as diverse as the positions themselves:
- Online Application: The process can be initiated through Amazon’s official recruitment webpage. Pay a visit to the Amazon Internships page and navigate the online application form. Alternatively, you have the option to utilize internship portals as a means of submission.
- Referral Route: Much like the practice in many prominent organizations, securing a referral can be the most expedient path to securing an internship interview at Amazon. If you have pre-existing connections within Amazon, consider requesting them to vouch for your profile. In cases where direct connections are absent, you can explore the realm of second-degree connections on platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn. Politely reaching out and requesting a referral can substantially elevate your prospects by circumventing initial resume screenings.
- Campus Recruitment Channel: Amazon actively conducts recruitment drives at select colleges to identify potential interns. If your educational institution happens to be on Amazon’s campus recruitment list, you can directly participate in the process. Even if Amazon’s physical presence at your college is absent, you may find that the “Training and Placement Cell” maintains invaluable contacts. Engaging with them can reveal the potential to access these contacts, potentially opening the door to an internship opportunity.
- Direct Contact with HR Executives: If you can procure the email address of an HR executive, whether through personal connections or your college’s “Training and Placement Cell,” you have the option to initiate direct contact. Compose a concise email, complemented by a persuasive cover letter and a meticulously crafted resume. Taking the initiative to reach out in this manner can set you apart and leave a lasting impression during the application process.
These versatile application avenues offer multiple paths for prospective interns to pursue their Amazon internship aspirations, each with its unique advantages and possibilities.
Conclusion:
Landing an internship at Amazon is an exciting opportunity that can shape your career and provide invaluable experiences. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the application process, excel in interviews, and potentially join the ranks of interns contributing to Amazon’s customer-focused innovation. It all starts with choosing the right role and crafting a tailored resume. Your Amazon internship adventure awaits, so seize the opportunity and embark on this journey toward a brighter future.
