My internship selection process with Barclays was an incredible journey, filled with lessons that can help anyone preparing for their own opportunity. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each stage of the process:
1. Online Assessment (OA)
Date: 3rd October
Round Type: Elimination
Participants: 134 students
After our resumes and grades were filtered, 134 of us were selected to appear for the online assessment (OA). Based on insights from my friends at SPIT, who had appeared for Barclays’ OA before, I knew the questions would likely focus on SQL, DSA, and OOP. Many warned us about the difficulty level of the DSA and SQL questions, which ranged from medium to hard.
I wasn’t particularly strong in DSA since I hadn’t delved deeply into competitive programming (CP) or DSA before. I planned to improve these skills during the winter break.
OA Details:
There were 14 questions in total.
One DSA problem focused on a sliding window, though it seemed like a lexicographical problem. Out of 10 test cases, I solved only 2.
The SQL question required filtering data for a specific month (October), which I was able to solve quickly using the LIKE operator.
The OOP questions were multiple-choice, involving code snippets where we had to predict the output.
After my performance, I wasn’t too optimistic about being selected. Solving only 2 DSA test cases made me doubt my chances. But to my surprise, on the 8th of October, I received an email confirming my selection for the next round!
2. Pre-Placement Talk (PPT)
Date: 10th October
Time: 8:15 AM (reporting time)
Shortlisted Students: 40
The PPT was an interactive session where Barclays introduced themselves, their work culture, and the internship program. They emphasized their core values, known as RISES. One of the key takeaways was the importance of being genuine, both in your resume and during the interview.
Tip: During the PPT, we were encouraged to ask questions and note down the skills they were looking for. This helped a lot during the interviews that followed.
3. Face-to-Face Interviews
We were informed there would be 4 rounds of interviews, all on the same day. Here’s a breakdown of my experience during these rounds:
Become a member
Round 1: Technical + Behavioral
Introduction: The interviewer asked me to introduce myself. I took this opportunity to highlight my hackathon wins and mentioned that I wasn’t very strong in DSA.
Questions Asked:
Stack and Queue: I was asked to explain these data structures and give real-life examples. The interviewer said I was “bang on.”
Sorting Algorithm: I was asked to explain any sorting algorithm of my choice. I chose merge sort and explained it in detail.
Pseudo Code: I was asked to write the pseudo code for merge sort. I wrote what I could remember but admitted I couldn’t recall everything.
Binary Search: When asked to explain it, I couldn’t remember much, so I honestly said so. The interviewer appreciated my honesty.
HashMap: Though I had never used a HashMap before, I tried to explain its use cases with the interviewer’s guidance.
Project Discussion: I was asked to discuss one of my projects. I selected my most recent one and explained the challenges I faced. We also talked about data security, where I had to defend my choice of database.
Tip: If you don’t know something, be honest. The interviewer will likely appreciate your sincerity rather than attempting to bluff through an answer.
Round 2: Deep Dive + Problem Solving + HR and Behavioral
Introduction: Again, I was asked to introduce myself and discuss a project. I was then asked to draw the block diagram and database schema for the project, leading to a discussion on data analysis and how I would modify the diagram for better scalability.
Questions Asked:
Consumer-Producer Problem: I couldn’t recall much initially, but with hints, I was able to explain the four conditions and how signals work.
Coding a Problem: The interviewer asked if I could code a problem. I admitted I could, but I might not provide error-free code immediately. He appreciated my candid response.
Behavioral Questions: The interviewer asked about how I handled collaboration and conflicting opinions in my team, how I managed my time, how I dealt with conflicting opinions and how I balanced academics with multiple projects and how I felt when seniors recognized my work.
3. Final Result
After the rounds were complete, we were told the results would be announced soon. To our surprise, they decided to skip Round 3 and directly selected 23 of us for the internship! It was a moment of disbelief for everyone as we tried to process the fact that we had been chosen.
Key Takeaways:
Be Genuine: Whether it’s your resume, introduction, or answers, authenticity can set you apart.
Admit What You Don’t Know: If you don’t know something, say so. Interviewers often appreciate honesty and may guide you to the right answer.
Master the Basics: Even if you’re anticipating tough questions, fundamental concepts like stacks, queues, sorting algorithms, and SQL are crucial.
Highlight Your Projects: Be ready to explain your projects in detail, including the challenges you faced and the technologies you used. This is your chance to shine.
Ask Questions: Always ask questions at the end of the interview. It shows your interest in the role and can provide additional insights into the company.
