Technical prep before starting at Amazon

Apr 16, 2021 7 Comments

Obligatory SDE 1, 2 YOE, 180 TC, Greater Los Angeles Area.

I'm sure the TC isn't much to most of you, but it feels completely insane to me. I feel like I still don't know anything and my career has been more plumbing than engineering. I'm not sure if it's imposter syndrome or actual. I buckled down and did LC and suddenly I'm here. Does not compute.

I'm happy but also incredibly stressed out. I want to make sure I do all the prep I can before I start, which is still a month away. I'm thinking of learning Java and reading up on general software engineering. Any suggestions in terms of books, resources, or any other technical prep? Non-technical advice also welcome.

Thank you!

#amazon #help

7

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
  1. TOP
  2. RECENT
  3. OLD
 TOP 7 Comments
  • Amazon / Eng
    BrazilBe๐Ÿ‘

    Go to company page Amazon Eng

    PRE
    iCIMS
     BrazilBe๐Ÿ‘
    Don't worry about it too much. You can review stuff if you want but don't go crazy. The first two weeks is just learning the basics in terms of tools and setting up your local.

    They also have an SDE bootcamp for explaining the basics.

    Don't stress be happy, and if anyone tries to ruin your vibe ignore them.
    Apr 16, 2021 4
    • OP
      Thanks for the comforting words, but I find it hard not to worry between this job can make my career and Amazon's competitive culture.

      Was there really nothing you wish you knew better before you started?
      Apr 16, 2021
    • Amazon / Eng
      BrazilBe๐Ÿ‘

      Go to company page Amazon Eng

      PRE
      iCIMS
       BrazilBe๐Ÿ‘
      @kiYE28 There's plenty I'd like to know but I already told my manager of any thing I think may be a learning curve. Such as picking up Python and Kotlin, as well as other operational changes.

      At the end of the day it's another software job, you're never going to know everything you just have to try to figure things out as you go. If it works out great, if it doesn't oh well. Life's too short to worry about things out of your control.

      Just do your best and don't stress
      Apr 16, 2021
  • You sound like the kind of guy who is at serious risk of burnout at Amazon. If you are this stressed now, you'll be drinking from a fire hose once you get in. Find some peers (not manager) who agree to be your on boarding "buddies" and use their counsel. Been there kid, put in 12-14 hour days trying to "beat" everyone's expectations and feel secure. It did not end well.
    Apr 16, 2021 1