Nasdaq | SDE & QA Intern | Chennai | Oct 2024 | [Result: Awaiting]
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Nasdaq | SDE + QA Intern | Chennai | Oct 2024 | [Result: Awaiting]

My current status:

Status: Final Year, B E CSE, Anna University, MIT.
Position: 6m SWE Intern & QA Intern 2025
Location: Chennai

Interview Experience

Online Assessment (OA) - October 19, 2024

The OA consisted of 30 questions to be completed in 1.5 hours:

  • MCQs on Core Java, OOPS, SQL, Software Testing, and Excel.
  • SQL coding questions requiring SELECT and UPDATE queries, which carried higher marks (e.g., 200, 150, 100) compared to MCQs (20 or 40).

I felt confident about my performance, especially on the SQL coding questions.

Telephonic Round (Interview Confirmation) - October 25, 2024

I received a call from an HR representative confirming that I was moving forward for both the SDE Intern and QA Intern roles. The call was a casual introduction, and the HR confirmed my interview for October 29th at 10:00 AM, Chennai Office.

In-Person Interview - 10 AM, October 29, 2024

Arrival Issues

  • I reached the office at 9:00 AM for 10:00 AM interview, but faced problems entering as the guards required an OTP that I hadn’t received. The receptionist responsible for generating it was on leave.
  • After multiple attempts to contact LinkedIn connections and earlier points of contact, I finally got the OTP at 10:40 AM.
  • Thankfully, one of the panel members was informed about my delay, and my interview started at 10:45 AM.
  • Before that, I helped another interview candidate whose interview was at 10:30 AM and was appreciated by a panel member before my interview started.

Interview Details

It was a single round of interview for me, which lasted upto 45 minutes covering the following sections.

1. Introduction

  • General discussion about myself, including family background and personal interests.
  • The panel reviewed my resume, asking about:
    • Internship experience at PayPal
    • Research fellowship at IIT Bombay
    • Detailed questions on all projects listed in my resume.
  • Outcome: I explained everything clearly, and the panel seemed satisfied.

2. Skills Assessment

  • I was asked about the versions of tools and stacks I recently worked with.
  • I successfully answered for React and Node.js, but couldn’t recall the version for some databases.
  • Panel Feedback: They noted it’s natural to forget some specifics and appreciated my honesty. I reassured them about my adaptability, which seemed to impress them.

3. Domain Preference

  • I expressed a preference for backend development, explaining that I enjoy building business logic and core functionalities.
  • When asked about my favorite backend stack, I highlighted Spring Boot for its clear OOP structure, developer-friendly features, and widespread use.
  • Panel Reaction: They were satisfied with my reasoning.

4. Technical Round (SQL and Excel)

  • I was asked to rate my SQL skills on a scale of 10. I confidently rated myself an 8/10, which surprised the panel.
  • Task:
    • Two SQL tables were provided along with 15 questions. I was required to attempt at least 10 but managed to answer 12 questions (5 easy, 5 medium, 5 hard).
    • Intermediate-level Excel questions were also included.
  • Outcome: I performed well and received positive feedback.

5. HR and Behavioral Questions

  • Discussed my previous stipend and whether I would consider other offers with higher pay.
  • I emphasized that my focus is on learning, company culture, and fintech, rather than monetary benefits.
  • Panel Reaction: They tested my stance repeatedly, but I remained consistent, which seemed to impress them.

6. Q&A

  • I asked about the work culture and role-specific responsibilities at Nasdaq.
  • The panel mentioned the work is team-specific and might initially involve Excel and internal tools, with potential future involvement in Core Java tasks.

7. Feedback Request

  • While the panel couldn’t provide direct feedback, I indirectly asked about areas for improvement.
  • They stated I'm overqualified for the role.

Verdict

I haven’t heard back from HR yet, even after following up. I noticed other candidates faced similar OTP-related delays, which postponed their interviews. When I finished my interview, I saw four more candidates waiting for the same role. I connected with them on LinkedIn, and none of us have received updates so far. Still waiting!

Advice

  1. Focus on the JD provided for your role. Be prepared for questions related to the technologies or skills listed (e.g., SQL, Excel).
  2. Be ready to discuss projects and experiences in-depth.
  3. If you list many skills on your resume, ensure you remember the version numbers of stacks and tools you’ve worked with.
  4. Stay calm and adaptable, especially when unexpected issues (like entry delays) arise.

Good luck! 🎯

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