Hey everyone! I have my first technical interview coming up for a data analysis internship at a bank, and I'm a bit anxious about what to expect. They mentioned I should bring my laptop and set up a Python environment, but I'm uncertain about what I'll be doing there. Will they give me exercises to complete? Am I supposed to code from scratch, or can I refer to my notes and documents? I'm really nervous and want to make a good impression, as this internship is super important for me. I've been practicing a lot, almost like preparing for an exam, but I'm not confident in writing code completely from scratch. Any tips or advice for a newbie like me? Thanks!
4 Answers
They’ll usually give you a small problem to solve on the spot. Just ensure you have a clean Python install with libraries like pandas and numpy. You’ll be expected to write a simple script from scratch, typically involving basic data manipulation and possibly a quick plot. Just keep it straightforward; good luck!
Just relax! Remember, it’s not expected for interns to have extensive technical skills. Go in with an open mindset, stay willing to learn, and show that you're easy to work with.
Haha, not to brag, but I am pretty easy to work with! Just feeling like a newbie is tough, though. I really don’t want to miss this great opportunity.
Good luck with everything! You've got this!
Thank you, that's really kind of you!
I’ve done a lot of interviews like this, so here’s some advice: First off, chill out! Engage with the interviewers, and if you get stuck, ask questions. They know you won't have all the answers. Make sure your Python setup is good to go. When given a task, don’t hesitate to use the Python docs if needed. Start with pseudo code to outline your approach, and focus on completing a few key parts rather than trying to solve everything at once. And remember, the interviewers are generally looking to assess your thought process rather than to trip you up. Just do your best!
Thanks for the advice! It's really calming my nerves a bit. I’m working on my Python skills daily, and I get good grades in theory, but coding from scratch still feels daunting. I’ll definitely give it my all!

It would be really helpful if I could use some documentation, but no AI tools for sure! I'm still practicing for this interview and hope to be ready.