I want to share my experience of interviewing with Societe Generale at VIT, Chennai in August, 2023. The job I was going for was Software Development Engineer (SDE) under the Super Dream category. This role included an internship and a chance for a full-time job later on. I’m sharing this to help others understand what the process was like.
Eligibility Criteria
- % in X and XII – 60% or 6.0 CGPA
- in Pursuing Degree – 60% or 6.0 CGPA
- in UG (for PGs) – 60% or 6.0 CGPA
- No Standing Arrears
Online Assessment
The initial step was an online assessment conducted on the Hirepro platform. 1670 students were shortlisted to appear for this Online Assessment. This assessment played a crucial role in evaluating candidates’ technical knowledge, aptitude, and coding abilities. The assessment was composed of three main sections: Technical Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Aptitude questions, and Coding challenges.
- Technical MCQs: The assessment started with a series of Technical MCQs. These questions aimed to test candidates’ understanding of core technical concepts, such as data structures, algorithms, and programming languages. While the questions were relatively easy in difficulty, they were designed to gauge candidates’ fundamental knowledge in the field.
- Aptitude Questions: Following the Technical MCQs, there were Aptitude questions. These questions assessed candidates’ logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and mathematical abilities. Although the level of difficulty was manageable, the questions required a clear and systematic approach to arrive at accurate solutions.
- Coding Challenges: The coding section consisted of two challenges. While the coding problems themselves were of easy-medium level, the key differentiator was the way candidates approached them. Societe Generale’s assessment was not just about solving the problems; it focused on the efficiency and quality of the solutions. Time complexity and other performance parameters were strictly evaluated. This meant that even though the problems seemed straightforward, candidates needed to demonstrate their ability to write optimized and efficient code.
Additionally, the platform rigorously checked submissions against various test cases on the backend. This ensured that candidates’ solutions were not only correct but also robust and able to handle different scenarios. This aspect highlighted Societe Generale’s emphasis on quality and attention to detail.
Interview and Other Rounds:
I was among the fortunate 45 students who were selected to advance to this round. The interview process was initially planned to encompass four distinct stages: Group Discussion, Technical Round, Managerial Round, and HR Round. Nevertheless, due to time constraints, the Group Discussion phase was bypassed, prompting the company to initiate the proceedings directly with the Technical round.
Getting Ready: Before the interview, I practiced my coding, problem-solving, and computer skills. Societe Generale is known for being good at technical stuff, so I wanted to be well-prepared.
1. Technical Interview – Round 1:
In the first technical round, after a brief introduction, the interviewer delved into deep conceptual questions on Operating Systems and was given one puzzle. I was then presented with a scenario-based question on Object-Oriented Programming (OOP).
The coding part involved implementing an integer stack from scratch in C++, focusing on robustness and edge case handling. This required demonstrating proficiency in Exception handling, Error Management, OOP Concepts, Inheritance, and Constructors. Upon successful completion, I was challenged to convert the integer stack into a generic stack using C++ Templates, showcasing adaptability and problem-solving skills. The interview concluded with LeetCode problem-solving, encompassing both Medium and Hard-level questions using the “Pick Random” feature. This comprehensive assessment evaluated my technical knowledge and coding abilities effectively.
The round wrapped up with a fundamental SQL query involving JOINS, followed by a transaction-based SQL task focusing on ROLLBACK and SAVEPOINT operations.
2. Technical / Managerial Interview – Round 2:
The second round was tougher. They gave me harder problems and asked about designing systems and programming concepts. Covered important areas like Cyber Security basics, Computer Networks, SOLID Principles, Design Patterns, and Software Development methods. This part tested not only what I knew but also how well I could use this knowledge practically. I faced scenario based questions where I was supposed to select appropriate technical answer and justify the same. I was told to give basic High Level and Low Level Design for Job Requisition Module (Human Resource Management System). This question was specifically asked to me because System Design was mentioned in my resume.
3. HR and Behavioral Interview – Round 3:
The HR Round at Societe Generale encompassed a comprehensive review of my resume, delving into my academic background, skills, and family details. Work experiences were scrutinized with targeted questions. I addressed typical HR inquiries, assessing my alignment with the company’s culture and values. Discussions also encompassed practical aspects like job location preferences and flexible work hours. This rounded evaluation offered a platform to showcase my compatibility with Societe Generale’s ethos while ensuring a mutually beneficial fit.
The interview process wrapped up at 8 pm, and by 11 pm, our college placement team conveyed the outcomes through email. I was thrilled to discover that I had secured a spot among the 14 students who were chosen for the opportunity.
VERDICT: SELECTED