Getting selected as an Amazon SDE Intern feels like a dream come true and it kind of is. After all the rounds of interviews, coding prep, and sleepless nights, the offer finally lands. But once the excitement settles, a new question kicks in:
“What am I actually going to work on?”
You might imagine sitting quietly in the corner fixing typos in code. Or maybe just doing simple bug fixes while watching full time engineers handle the real stuff.
But in reality, It’s nothing like that.
As an Amazon SDE Intern you’ll get real projects, real ownership, and real responsibilities. This blog will walk you through exactly what you’ll work on, how your days might look, and what you can expect from this wild, intense, and rewarding experience.
Do interns actually work on real projects?
Yes. And they’re not just random practice projects either.
As an Amazon SDE Intern, you’re given real ownership, often working on projects that matter to the team and even to customers. It’s not uncommon for intern code to go into production.
Your manager or mentor will usually give you a well defined project. It might be a new feature for an existing tool, an internal automation script, or even something customer facing. The scale will depend on the team you join, but the work will be real, and you’ll be expected to own it.
You’re not just there to observe, you’re there to contribute.
What’s a day like as an Amazon SDE Intern?
A typical day is a mix of coding, meetings, and learning on the go.
You’ll start with a stand up meeting, which is a quick sync with your team. You share what you’re working on, any blockers you have, and what’s next. Don’t stress it’s informal, and no one expects you to have all the answers.
After that, most of your day is heads down time writing code, debugging, and testing. You’ll spend a lot of time in your IDE and using Amazon’s internal tools. You’ll also work closely with your mentor, who’ll review your pull requests and help you when you’re stuck.
Several learning sessions may come up during the interview process. As an Amazon SDE Intern, you’ll get access to intern-only talks and tech sessions, which are very useful if you’re just starting out in different areas of technology.
Should I know everything at the beginning?
Nope. Being an expert is not required for an Amazon SDE Intern.
It helps to know the basics of data types, computer algorithms and objects in programming. Knowing every aspect of AWS or distributed systems isn’t required from the start.
Amazon knows you’re an Amazon SDE Intern and you’re there to learn. What matters more is your attitude. Are you willing to ask questions? Do you take feedback positively? Can you break big problems into smaller ones? That mindset is way more important than knowing every tool out there.
Also, documentation is your best friend. Don’t be afraid to Google things or go through internal docs. Every intern does it. Even full timers do it.
What type of help will be available to me?
Every Amazon SDE Intern is connected with a mentor, who is usually a regular member of the Software Development Engineering team. You go to them for direction, help with code and suggestions. Managers will steer your project in the right direction and ensure things are getting done.
Your manager also spends time regularly to see how you feel about your role and the company. Feel free to mention it if something seems wrong to you. They are hoping for your success.
There are also intern only events, Q&A sessions with senior engineers, and social meetups (virtual or in person, depending on your location). You’re part of a community, not just a temporary guest.
Will it help me get a full time offer?
Absolutely. That’s kind of the point.
Amazon treats internships as extended interviews. Your performance during these few months plays a big role in whether you’ll be offered a full time role after graduation.
But don’t let that scare you. You don’t have to be perfect. Amazon looks at growth, impact, and how well you’ve worked with others. Did you complete your project? Did you learn from your mistakes? Did you communicate clearly? That’s what counts.
If you’re consistent, curious, and willing to put in the effort, you’ve got a solid shot.
Being an Amazon SDE Intern isn’t just about coding. It’s about learning how to work in a team, handling real responsibility, and building something that might actually get used.
You’ll have days when things break and bugs won’t go away. You’ll also have moments when your code works perfectly and your mentor gives you a virtual high five. Every part of the process is part of what you go through.
If you’re just applying or already started as an Amazon SDE Intern, understand this, Nervous feelings are normal. Everyone does. But once you dive in, ask questions, and stay curious, you’ll do just fine.