Interview Prep Masterclass

Objective: Strengthen problem-solving skills, master patterns, and optimize solutions.

Week 1: Arrays, Strings, and Two Pointers

• Class Topics:
  • Sliding Window Technique
  • Two-Pointer Approach
  • Prefix Sum & Hashing
  • Common Patterns (Cyclic Sort, Fast & Slow Pointers)
• Post-Class Work:
  • Solve 10-15 LeetCode problems (Medium/Hard)
  • Implement custom problems (e.g., custom hashmap)

Week 2: Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, and Recursion

• Class Topics:
  • Reverse, Merge, and Detect Cycles in Linked Lists
  • Monotonic Stacks & Queue-based Problems
  • Recursion & Backtracking (Subsets, Permutations)
• Post-Class Work:
  • Solve 10 recursion-based problems
  • Implement iterative vs. recursive solutions

Objective: Master tree/graph traversals, DP patterns, and optimization.

Week 3: Trees & Graphs (DFS/BFS, Trie, Heaps)

• Class Topics:
  • Binary Tree Traversals (Inorder, Preorder, Postorder)
  • Graph Algorithms (Dijkstra, Topological Sort, Union-Find)
  • Trie & Heap Applications
• Post-Class Work:
  • Solve 5 graph problems (e.g., shortest path, MST)
  • Implement a Trie-based autocomplete system

Week 4: Dynamic Programming (Memoization, Tabulation, Patterns)

• Class Topics:
  • DP Patterns (Knapsack, LCS, Fibonacci)
  • State Transitions & Optimization
  • Greedy vs. DP
• Post-Class Work:
  • Solve 8-10 DP problems (Medium/Hard)
  • Write a memoization wrapper for recursive functions

Objective: Design scalable distributed systems (focus on trade-offs).

Week 5: System Design Fundamentals & Case Studies

• Class Topics:
  • Load Balancing, Caching (Redis, CDN)
  • Database Choices (SQL vs. NoSQL, Sharding)
  • CAP Theorem, Consistency Models
  • Case Study: Design TinyURL
• Post-Class Work:
  • Write a design doc for a Pastebin-like service
  • Compare SQL vs. NoSQL for different use cases

Week 6: Scalability & Distributed Systems

• Class Topics:
  • Microservices vs. Monoliths
  • Event-Driven Architecture (Kafka, SQS)
  • Case Study: Design Twitter
• Post-Class Work:
  • Design a scalable notification system
  • Research eventual vs. strong consistency

Objective: Master OOP principles and design extensible systems.

Week 7: OOP & Design Patterns

• Class Topics:
  • SOLID Principles
  • Factory, Observer, Singleton Patterns
  • Case Study: Design Parking Lot
• Post-Class Work:
  • Implement a vending machine in code
  • Refactor a legacy system using SOLID

Week 8: Real-World LLD Problems

• Class Topics:
  • Concurrency (Thread Pools, Deadlocks)
  • Case Study: Design Elevator System
• Post-Class Work:
  • Implement a thread-safe cache
  • Solve producer-consumer problem

Objective: Master storytelling, leadership principles, and STAR method.

Week 9: Behavioral Foundations(STAR + Culture)

• Class Topics:
  • STAR Structuring
  • Amazon Leadership Principles, Google/Meta Behavioral Expectations
  • Handling conflict/failure/ambiguity
• Post-Class Work:
  • Write 10 STAR stories
  • Peer review with classmates

Week 10: Leadership & Influence in Interviews

• Class Topics:
  • Driving alignment across teams
  • Influencing stakeholders & Trade-off decisions
  • Building trust & Credibility, “Bar Raiser” perspective on Leadership
• Post-Class Work:
  • Record & self-evaluate answers
  • Research company-specific culture

Objective: Simulate real interviews with detailed feedback.

Week 11: Communicating Impact & Leadership

• Class Activities:
  • Executive presence in interviews & Framing technical work in business outcomes.
  • Resume/LinkedIn Storytelling for impact and scope 
  • Positioning youself for senior roles
• Post-Class Work:
  • Rewrite resume/linkedIN
  • Record 2 mocks answers with business framing

Week 12: Final Mock Interviews & Strategy

• Class Activities:
  • Interview Strategy
  • Negotiation & offer discussion strategies
• Post-Class Work:
  • Final revision & relaxation before interviews

• 20 Mock Interviews (1:1 with coaches)
• Private Slack/Discord Community for peer discussions
• Weekly Office Hours for doubt resolution