Software Engineer Intern

1. Explain a data structure you’ve used recently and how it helped solve a problem.

Answer:
Recently, I used a HashMap to optimize a problem involving counting the frequency of elements in an array. Using HashMap reduced the time complexity from O(n²) to O(n), as it allowed constant-time lookup and insert operations, which were essential for performance. Software Engineer Intern

2. What’s the difference between SQL and NoSQL databases, and when would you use each?

Answer:
SQL databases are relational, structured, and enforce ACID properties, making them great for transactions and complex queries (e.g., PostgreSQL). NoSQL databases are more flexible, scalable, and suited for semi-structured or unstructured data (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra). I’d use SQL for structured data with relationships and NoSQL for high-speed, schema-less, large-scale applications. Software Engineer Intern

3. What is ID resolution and why is it important in a Customer Data Platform (CDP)?

Answer:
ID resolution is the process of connecting various identifiers (email, cookie, mobile ID) to unify customer profiles across devices and platforms. In a CDP, it’s critical for creating a single customer view and delivering consistent, personalized experiences. Software Engineer Intern

4. Describe a time you worked on a large dataset. What tools did you use?

Answer:
During a college project, I worked with a public dataset containing millions of rows. I used Python (Pandas) for initial processing and Apache Spark for distributed computing when the data became too large for memory. This experience taught me about partitioning and optimizing transformations for performance. Software Engineer Intern

5. What is a common cause of memory leaks in Java applications?

Answer:
One common cause is holding object references in static collections (like HashMap or List) that are never cleared. These prevent garbage collection and can lead to memory leaks over time, especially in long-running applications.

6. Explain a recent algorithm problem you solved and your approach.

Answer:
I recently solved a “Longest Substring Without Repeating Characters” problem. I used the sliding window technique with a HashSet to track characters. This approach gave me an O(n) solution and helped me understand the practical use of two-pointer strategies.

7. How would you debug a service that suddenly stops responding to API requests?

Answer:
I would:

1. Check application logs for errors.

2. Inspect the health/status of dependencies (DB, services).

3. Use monitoring tools (like Prometheus/Grafana) to check memory/CPU/network usage.

4. Validate incoming request rates.

5. Reproduce locally if needed.

6. Use breakpoints or print statements to trace the issue. Software Engineer Intern

8. What is the significance of privacy and compliance in handling customer data?

Answer:
Privacy and compliance ensure user trust and avoid legal risks. Regulations like GDPR and CCPA require businesses to secure, anonymize, and be transparent about user data collection. In a CDP like Zeotap’s, this means enforcing strict access controls, data minimization, and audit logging. Software Engineer Intern

9. Why do you want to intern at Zeotap?

Answer:
Zeotap operates at the intersection of data, privacy, and AI, which aligns with my interests. I’m excited by your mission to help brands deliver personalized experiences responsibly. I want to learn from real-world applications of scalable systems and contribute to a product trusted by companies like Amazon and Audi.