intern-ke-fundae-24.md

Intern ke Fundae'24(3rd - 4th Year Interaction)

General Instructions

• Test scheduled for the last week of July.
• Submit your CV through the OCS portal.
• Review CV with a senior.
• Test planned for the first two weeks of August.
• Online tests are mostly on July 14 and 15.
• Full tests on the last Saturday and Sunday of July.
• Interviews are scheduled for the first week of August.
• Offline tests will occur after returning to campus.
• Ask friends in other IITs about the questions asked; try to get those questions as they might be similar.
• Remember, it's just a test. Stay calm and composed; that's the main thing.

Talks

Utkarsh Sharma (D.E. Shaw, Hyderabad)

• Prepare for coding by practising on platforms like CSES and Codeforces.
• For puzzles, use resources like Brainstellar and Xinfeng Zhou, though they are not very relevant.
• Ensure your CV does not include irrelevant projects or roles.
• Tests and CGPA play a major role in the shortlisting process.
• Expect a 1-hour test with 3 questions, typically in the 1500-1600 difficulty range; solving 2.5 questions usually leads to shortlisting.
• The interview process includes questions on OOP, 1-2 puzzles, 1-2 coding questions, and covers 3 rounds, with 1-2 probability questions.
• Some interviews may focus on Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA).
• The company is a Hedge Fund, HFT, established in 1980, well-diversified, and hires for Front Office roles from IIT Delhi.
• The perks are balanced between those of software companies and a better work culture compared to quant roles.
• For interns, there is a focus on foundational concepts and practical application.
• If you perform exceptionally well, there is a chance to be selected for the NYC Trader role, with all trading based in NYC.
• The work culture is commendable, featuring activities like cricket, squash, and badminton, yearly tournaments, and a diverse team from various backgrounds and colleges.
• For preparation, practice solving questions within a given time frame.
• During the interview, stay calm, think through your answers, and take your time to respond.
• Get your CV reviewed by a mentor and focus on time-based practice for test questions.
• Typical interview questions may include DP + binary search, and greedy algorithms.
• Interview topics might also cover probability and puzzles, similar to those on Brainstellar.
• Coding interview questions are often similar to those from the coding test.
• Avoid adding irrelevant details to your CV and ensure it is reviewed properly.

Prisha Jain (B.C.G., Gurgaon)

• The shortlisting process can be unpredictable and sometimes random, so always have a backup plan.
• Your CV should be carefully structured with attention to both content and aesthetics, focusing on the following sections:
  1. Scholastics and CGPA: Highlight your academic achievements and ensure your CGPA is strong, preferably above 8.5.
  2. Positions of Responsibility (PoRs): Include at least 1 PoR from the third year and 2 from the second year, or 3 from the second year.
  3. Extracurricular Activities (ECA): Demonstrate diversity by spanning across different areas (e.g., Debate and Design) while also showing depth and consistency in one domain.
  4. Internships: Both research and management internships are valuable. Be thorough and truthful about your experiences, as interviewers are keen on spotting inaccuracies.
• Excelling in at least 3 of these CV sections significantly increases your chances of being shortlisted.
• Significant effort is needed to highlight key accomplishments on your CV. Pay attention to what is bolded and the alignment of the information.
• Do not get distracted by what others are doing; stay focused on your own preparation.
• Start preparing for case studies well in advance, at least 3 weeks before interviews. This preparation helps you understand the nature of the work done during internships.
• In case study preparation, focus on how you present, interact, and engage, not just on finding the solution.
• Once comfortable, seek feedback from seniors. Approach super seniors cautiously, as they might be your future recruiters.
• Internships often involve long working hours, sometimes extending to 12 or 1 AM, but they provide valuable corporate exposure and client interaction.
• Consulting teams are known for working hard and partying harder, offering a balanced professional and social experience.
• During internships, expect to handle foundational tasks as a junior member, including a lot of grunt work like presentations and data analysis in Excel.
• Prepare for interviews by practising within a set time frame to enhance performance under pressure.
• During interviews, stay calm and composed. Take your time to think through questions before responding.
• Regularly review your CV with a mentor to ensure it accurately reflects your achievements and experiences.
• As an intern, expect to handle foundational tasks, including a lot of grunt work like presentations and Excel-based data analysis.

Hemang Sidana (Quadeye, Gurgaon)

• Preparation Resources:
  • Use standard resources like Leetcode, GeeksforGeeks (GFG) Sheet, and Codeforces. While Codeforces might not always be directly relevant to company tests, some companies do ask higher difficulty questions (1900-2000 rating), but mostly Leetcode-type questions are more common.
  • Cycle through different resources (e.g., Leetcode, Codeforces) to avoid getting bored. This variety helps keep preparation engaging.
  • Utilize specific guides like "50 Challenging Problems," "Heard on the Street," and "Brainstellar" for advanced problem-solving and quantitative analysis.
  • Focus on your approach to solving questions. Common reasons for not solving a problem include incorrect application, misunderstanding the algorithm, or poor implementation. Improve your implementation skills with regular practice.
  • For algorithms, observe and categorize problem types. Keep a notebook of challenging problems and practice them targetedly.
  • Daily practice should be structured. If you encounter repeated questions, analyze what you learned and document it for the next day. This keeps your preparation on track and prevents boredom.
• CV Preparation:
  • Start with a basic CV structure and focus on course assignments and core projects. There is no need to feel inferior; shortlisting often depends more on test performance and CGPA.
  • Ensure you only include assignments and projects you are thoroughly familiar with and can explain in detail during an interview.
  • Minimal extracurricular activities and positions of responsibility can still make for a strong CV if it highlights your academic and project strengths.
  • Pay close attention to CV aesthetics and content. Make sure your mathematical and analytical background is well-reflected.
• Fundae:
  • Do not list any project or assignment on your CV that you cannot explain comprehensively if questioned during the interview.
  • When choosing companies, prioritize based on either reputation or stipend. For example, Google and Microsoft may offer lower stipends but are highly reputable.
  • Avoid overapplying to companies, as you may end up with too many interviews to manage effectively. On Day 1, you can only give a limited number of interviews, so choose wisely to avoid wastage.
  • Apply to a sufficient number of companies to ensure backup options, and convey your approach during interviews. If you cannot solve a problem completely, be prepared to share your partial approach.
  • Quant firms generally offer higher compensation but come with more workload, depending on your efficiency. The workload can be more intense compared to software development roles.
  • Remember, deserving candidates might not always get into their preferred company. Don't get demotivated; accept the best opportunities available.
  • If asked about your next company interview, mention a less preferred company to keep your top choices confidential.
  • Test schedules can be hectic, sometimes running from 8 PM to midnight. Be prepared for intense scheduling.
  • Before Day 1, companies like JS and Optiver may have multiple interviews and tests. For example, Quadeye offers a direct interview on Day 1 if you clear the scholarship test.
• Interview Strategy:
  • If a problem is tough, break down your approach and share it, even if you don't reach the complete solution.
  • Demonstrate your mathematical background clearly during interviews.
  • For companies like Quadeye, clearing preliminary tests can lead directly to interviews on Day 1.
  • Regular practice and refining your approach to problem-solving are crucial. Keep track of your progress and make sure you can articulate your thought process during interviews.

Suren (Optiver, Amsterdam)

• CV Preparation:
  • Consult with seniors to get specific advice tailored to your goals. For quant roles, emphasize academic achievements and scholarships. For software development (SDE) roles, highlight your projects.
  • Get your CV reviewed by seniors; their feedback is invaluable. They can help ensure that your CV effectively showcases your strengths and aligns with the expectations of your target roles.
  • For quant roles, focus on demonstrating strong computational and problem-solving skills. For SDE roles, illustrate your technical skills and project experience.
  • Be specific about the purpose of each section of your CV. Highlight academic achievements more prominently for quant roles and project work for SDE roles.
• Preparation Resources:
  • Brianstellar is highly recommended for overall preparation, especially for Quant roles. Follow their structured path for consistent progress.
  • Leetcode is crucial for interview tests; start with the first 150 problems. Focus more on Leetcode for practical coding problems.
  • Codeforces is useful for competitive programming practice; aim to solve problems up to the 1800 rating level. However, levels 1600-1800 are generally sufficient.
  • Standard problems often involve simple algorithm applications like binary search, dynamic programming (DP), and MEX problems. Focus on understanding the application rather than just the complexity of algorithms.
• Interview and Test Preparation:
  • For Quadeye, practice standard problems from Brainstellar and focus on speeding up your calculations.
  • For Graviton, be prepared for very challenging competitive programming problems, often at a high Codeforces level.
  • For Jane Street, the interviews focus more on how cleanly you can code and your presentation skills. Emphasize writing clean and efficient code.
  • In Optiver interviews, expect initial mental ability tests and estimation problems like estimating the amount of water on Earth or the number of cats. These are filtering rounds, so focus on your estimation and logical reasoning skills.
  • Tests often follow a hectic schedule, sometimes running late into the night. Manage your time well and learn to improve with each test.
  • In the last 10 days before Day 1, practice tools like Zetamac for quick computation drills.
  • Do not get stressed during interviews; they are as much about understanding who you are as they are about technical skills. Be honest and articulate about your experiences and skills.
  • For Quadeye, you typically have one interview focusing on both quant and software problems.
  • For Optiver, the software test emphasizes code structure and object-oriented programming (OOP) principles, particularly in C++.
  • In many companies, including Jane Street, a good understanding of code structure is crucial. OOP knowledge is especially important for SDE roles, so practice using resources like Learncpp.com.
  • Always approach each test and interview as a learning opportunity. Even if one doesn't go well, focus on improving for the next one.
  • Don’t take tests the day before your interview to avoid unnecessary stress and fatigue.

Harsh Vora (Graviton, Gurgaon)

• CV Preparation :
• Don’t hesitate to contact seniors for advice on your CV. They can provide valuable insights and review your CV to ensure it is well-structured and impactful.
• Presentation is key. Make sure your CV is visually appealing and clearly highlights your strengths. If you’re unsure about any point, seek feedback and clarification from seniors.
• For quant roles, focus on showcasing academic achievements and use resources like Brainstellar, "50 Challenging Problems," and Xinfeng Zhou.
• For SDE roles, emphasize project work and proficiency in coding. Leetcode is a great resource for these roles, as it helps build fluency in coding.
• Highlight proficiency in core topics like dynamic programming (DP), tree traversal, bit manipulation, and data structure creation. Regular coding practice in your chosen language is essential for confidence and speed during interviews.
• Preparation Resources and Strategy :
• Use Leetcode for practical coding problems that are common in tests. Start with 150 problems to build a solid foundation.
• Codeforces is beneficial for more challenging competitive programming questions. Aim for solving problems up to the 1800 rating level, but don’t over-invest if it’s not directly relevant to your target roles.
• For Quant roles, rely on Brainstellar, probability books, and structured guides like "50 Challenging Problems."
• Be familiar with implementation, data structures, and algorithmic techniques. Leetcode problems focus on implementation, while Codeforces and Brainstellar problems help with conceptual and speed-based challenges.
• Practice coding frequently and aim to solve problems quickly and without bugs. Once confident, participate in coding contests to further hone your skills.
• In the last week of preparation, avoid cramming. Spread out your practice to avoid stress and ensure you’re well-prepared.
• Interview and Test Preparation :
• Tests usually feature Leetcode-type questions focusing on implementation. Prepare for these by practising a variety of problems that emphasize coding fluency and accuracy.
• Interviews may include questions similar to competitive programming (CP) to assess your problem-solving approach and conceptual understanding.
• Be well-versed in core computer science concepts such as CP, data structures, and OOPS for software interviews. For quant interviews, focus on probability and efficiency in computation.
• In interviews, be yourself and articulate your thought process clearly. Don’t start blabbering immediately; take a moment to share your thoughts clearly and calmly.
• Be prepared for HR rounds. Some companies treat these as formalities, while others, like Optiver, take them seriously. Know why you want to join the company and be ready to discuss your preferences and motivations.
• Expect multiple back-to-back interviews. Maintain composure, stay focused, and be transparent about your thinking process. This helps interviewers understand your approach and reasoning.

Samyak Jain (Eightfold A.I., Noida)

• Be honest in your CV; do not add artificial or exaggerated experiences.
• Use resources like Chinmay Sir’s guidelines for effective CV preparation.
• Know the path and expectations of your target company and align your CV accordingly.
• For quant roles, being specific about your academic achievements is crucial. For SDE roles in quants, focus more on C++ and coding skills.
• Finance knowledge is generally not required but can be a plus in interviews.
• Be clear about which role you prefer; the more specific you are, the easier the preparation and interview process will be.
• For companies like Tower Research, knowledge of computer architecture and networks is essential. Align your preparation to these requirements.
• Jane Street often values problem-solving skills demonstrated in Olympiads, so tailor your prep accordingly.
• Companies like D.E. Shaw may only require good coding skills; and know what the company values.
• Start your preparation by streamlining your focus on what you want to convey in your CV and during interviews.
• Understand that you cannot fool the interviewer; be genuine and clear about your experiences and skills.
• Utilize interview experiences shared on GitHub to understand what to expect.
• Focus on core topics like DP, trees, and binary search applications as most companies prefer Leetcode-type problems.
• Apart from coding, be knowledgeable in areas like C++, networks, and compilers, especially for SDE roles in quant firms.
• For quant interviews, resources like Brainstellar, Xinfeng Zhou, and MTL106 are beneficial. Be comfortable with probability.
• Optiver interviews may involve stress testing, guesstimates, and practical problem-solving scenarios like estimating the number of chairs in an office or playing card games.
• Prepare HR questions in advance. Don’t try to act smart; stay humble and be formal.
• Admit if you don’t know an answer during interviews. Honesty is valued over pretending to know everything.

Mihir Kaskhedikar (Quantbox, Singapore)

• Quant Research and Coding Preparation :
• Quant research often focuses on ML and data science applications.
• CP (Competitive Programming) has been a consistent focus since the first year.
• Leetcode: Complete standard problems thoroughly.
• DSA Prep series: Study techniques and solve daily problems consistently.
• OOPS (Object-Oriented Programming): Emphasize understanding by making notes and writing code independently.
• QuantBox tests are challenging, covering math, CP, and OOPS extensively.
• Brainstellar is frequently copied from; consider using Xinfeng Zaou if time permits.
• There's no specific standard format; be creative and highlight your active roles.
• Some companies shortlist based on JEE rank, CGPA, or test scores, but the interview is crucial.
• Focus on health during tests; manage stress and don’t be disheartened by results not entirely in your control.
• Additional Insights :
• Basic knowledge of machine learning, data science, and statistics is beneficial, similar to Tower Research's approach with Limestone.
• Comparch (Computer Architecture): Focus on concepts like cache hits and misses, and cache coherence types, similar to COL 216 majors.

Sakshi Gupta (Google, Hyderabad)

• Emphasizing Projects in CV :
• Highlight what makes your projects unique since many applicants may have similar coursework projects.
• Questions in Google interviews can be challenging, up to Leetcode hard level, while Sprinklr emphasizes a mix of CP and Leetcode.
• Recognize that many circumstances in the interview process are beyond your control.
• Graph Theory knowledge is valuable and often tested.
• GitHub presence is significant for off-campus opportunities; ensure it's highlighted if not explicitly mentioned.
• Consider the duration and scheduling conflicts of interviews; prioritize strategically, especially in consulting roles.
• Probability is typically not asked in non-quant SDE roles.
• Data Science roles may inquire about Python libraries, providing an edge if proficient.
• Expect tests post-7 PM on weekdays and multiple tests on weekends.
• SDE roles offer diverse work experiences, often not detailed in advance.
• Industry professionals are supportive and enjoyable to work with.
• Google offers a good work-life balance.
• Additional Insights :
• Projects tend to overlap; strive to differentiate yours with unique elements such as clubs or specific achievements—consult seniors for guidance.
• Begin CV preparation well in advance; keep it concise and accurate based on company preferences.
• Understand company-specific requirements from seniors; some companies select candidates randomly.
• For tech giants like Google and Microsoft, focus on Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA).
• Sprinklr values CP skills alongside traditional Leetcode preparation.
• Stay calm during Codeforces contests, which are known for their time constraints.
• Off-campus opportunities exist; persist despite initial CV setbacks, seek advice from multiple sources.
• Prepare comprehensively for graph-related questions, including DP and Binary Search proficiency.
• Maintaining a GitHub repository can enhance your profile; and showcase relevant projects.
• Anticipate potential delays in interview processes, especially in companies like JP Morgan; remain diplomatic and manage scheduling conflicts.
• Plan travel arrangements in advance; testing often begins a week before the semester starts.