Probo

Role: Software Development Engineer (SDE) Internship

College: Not Specified

Interview Date: Not Specified (Published November 9, 2024)

Interview Type: Internship, Online

Result: Selected

Difficulty: Challenging (Medium to Medium++)

Rounds: 4 rounds

Topics Asked: Data Structures (Arrays, Stack), Algorithms, System Design, Project Discussion, Problem Solving, Behavioral Questions, Scenario-based questions, Technical project architecture.

Experience:

The overall interview process at Probo for the SDE Internship was described as challenging but rewarding, designed to assess both technical and personal abilities.

Round 1: Online Coding Round
This round consisted of an online coding test with two medium++ level Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) problems. The problems primarily focused on arrays and mathematical manipulations, requiring a solid understanding of algorithms and data structures. The candidate was able to solve both problems within the allotted time.

Round 2: The First Online Technical Interview
This round began with introductions, followed by a 15-minute discussion about the candidate's major project listed on their resume. The interviewer showed interest in technical challenges faced, design choices made, and the project's impact. After the project discussion, a medium-level DSA problem involving a stack data structure was presented. The candidate took about 20 minutes to arrive at an optimal solution, discussing their thought process and code structure. This problem was tricky, requiring handling multiple edge cases and ensuring time and space efficiency. Following this, two scenario-based questions were asked to assess problem-solving skills and approach to real-world challenges. The round concluded with a few behavioral questions.

Round 3: The Second Online Technical Interview (System Design)
Conducted by a team lead, this round focused on system design. It started with a brief introduction and then immediately moved to technical questions related to the candidate's major project, assessing their understanding of the project's architecture and ability to explain technical concepts. The interviewer then presented a system design problem, asking the candidate to verbally outline their approach to designing a scalable and efficient system, discussing aspects like scalability, data flow, and potential bottlenecks. After outlining the design, the candidate was asked to write code to implement some core components of the system. A few behavioral questions were also included towards the end.

Round 4: The HR Interview Round
The final round was a 20-minute phone call focused on personal motivations, career goals, and cultural fit. Behavioral questions included "What are your life goals?", "Describe yourself in three adjectives," and "Who is your role model and why?". The HR representative also explained Probo's work culture and provided insights into the internship joining process, expectations, and team collaboration. The candidate was informed of their selection as an SDE intern at the end of this call.