Microsoft Research Intern Interview Questions and Answers

Reverse a linked list in pairs of three.

• Create a function that takes the head of the linked list as input.

• Traverse the linked list in pairs of three and reverse each pair.

• Update the head of the linked list to the new head after reversing each pair.

• Return the new head of the linked list.

Search a number in sorted rotated array.

• Use binary search to find the pivot point where the array is rotated

• Determine which half of the array the target number may be in

• Perform binary search on the appropriate half of the array to find the target number

I am more interested in gaining experience in a different field.

• I have always been fascinated by the intersection of technology and business, which led me to pursue a degree in computer science.

• During my studies, I discovered my passion for coding and problem-solving, which made me realize that I wanted to explore a career in the tech industry.

• While finance is undoubtedly an important field, I believe that my skills an...read more

Yes, what are the biggest challenges facing your company currently?

• Ask about company's current challenges

• Shows interest in company's well-being

• Can help tailor answers to show how you can contribute

I am a highly motivated individual with a passion for learning and a strong work ethic.

• I have a degree in computer science and have completed several internships in the tech industry.

• I am proficient in programming languages such as Java, Python, and C++.

• I have experience working in both team and individual settings, and am comfortable with both.

• I am a quick learner and am always looking for ways to improve my skills an

Consulting offers the opportunity to work on diverse projects, solve complex problems, and make a meaningful impact on clients' businesses.

• Consulting provides exposure to a variety of industries and business functions.

• Consultants work on challenging projects that require creative problem-solving skills.

• Consultants have the opportunity to make a significant impact on clients' businesses.

• Consulting offers a fast-paced an...read more

Accenture is a global company with a diverse range of clients and projects, offering opportunities for growth and development.

• Accenture has a strong reputation in the industry and is known for its innovative solutions

• The company has a global presence, providing opportunities to work with clients from different countries and cultures

• Accenture offers a wide range of services, from strategy consulting to technology implem...read more

The ROI of my project at Hero Motocorp was calculated by comparing the project's benefits to its costs.

• Identified all costs associated with the project

• Quantified the benefits of the project

• Calculated the net profit of the project

• Divided the net profit by the total cost of the project to get the ROI

• Example: If the net profit was $100,000 and the total cost was $50,000, the ROI would be 200%

I enjoyed studying economics the most in my first term. Economies of scale occur when production costs decrease as output increases. However, after a certain volume, costs increase due to diminishing returns.

• Economies of scale refer to the cost advantages that a business can achieve by increasing production output.

• As production increases, fixed costs are spread over a larger output, resulting in lower average costs.

• How...read more

ABC Analysis is a technique used in inventory management to categorize items based on their importance.

• Items are categorized into three groups: A, B, and C.

• Group A items are the most important and require the most attention.

• Group C items are the least important and require the least attention.

• The analysis is based on the Pareto principle, which states that 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.

• ABC Analysis hel...read more

As an entrepreneur, I would prioritize customer satisfaction and ethical business practices over short-term gains.

• Negative publicity can have long-lasting effects on a company's reputation and customer trust.

• Instead of focusing on sales at any cost, I would prioritize building a loyal customer base through quality products and excellent customer service.

• I would also ensure that my company operates ethically and transpa...read more

It is difficult to estimate the exact number of customers gained by Flipkart due to the Big Billion Day sale.

• Flipkart reported a 65% increase in new customers during the sale period.

• The company claimed to have sold 10 million products in the first hour of the sale.

• Many customers may have made repeat purchases due to the attractive discounts.

• The sale may have also attracted customers who were previously loyal to other e...read more

I am a highly motivated individual with a passion for learning and a strong work ethic.

• I have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

• I have completed several internships in software development

• I am proficient in programming languages such as Java and Python

• I am a quick learner and enjoy taking on new challenges

Consulting offers the opportunity to work on diverse projects, solve complex problems, and learn from experienced professionals.

• Opportunity to work on diverse projects

• Solve complex problems

• Learn from experienced professionals

• Exposure to different industries and sectors

• Opportunity to make a significant impact on clients' businesses

Create a digital marketing campaign targeting tourists and potential customers outside Jaipur.

• Create a website and social media pages to showcase the unique perfumes and their ingredients.

• Partner with local hotels and travel agencies to promote the perfumes to tourists.

• Offer discounts or promotions for customers who refer their friends and family.

• Create a loyalty program to incentivize repeat customers.

• Consider expandi...read more

I am a highly motivated individual with a passion for learning and a strong work ethic.

• I have a degree in computer science and have completed several internships in software development.

• I am proficient in programming languages such as Java, Python, and C++.

• I am a quick learner and enjoy taking on new challenges.

• I am a team player and have experience working collaboratively on projects.

• I am excited about the opportunity...read more

Consulting offers diverse challenges and opportunities to work with different clients and industries, providing a dynamic and rewarding career.

• Consulting allows me to work with a variety of clients and industries, providing a diverse range of challenges and opportunities.

• I enjoy problem-solving and providing strategic advice to help clients achieve their goals.

• Consulting offers a dynamic and fast-paced work environment...read more

I have pursued my MBA at IIM Lucknow and have been involved in various academic and extracurricular activities.

• Completed core courses in finance, marketing, operations, and strategy

• Participated in case study competitions and won prizes

• Organized cultural events and managed logistics

• Volunteered for social initiatives like blood donation drives and teaching underprivileged children

• Interned at a leading consulting firm and

Harry Markowitz model is a portfolio optimization model that helps investors to minimize risk and maximize returns.

• The model uses diversification to minimize risk

• It considers the correlation between assets

• It helps investors to find the optimal portfolio

• Other models to measure risk include the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and the Fama-French Three-Factor Model

• CAPM measures the expected return of an asset based on ...read more

NPV and IRR are both methods used to evaluate the profitability of an investment, but they differ in their approach.

• NPV calculates the present value of future cash flows, while IRR calculates the rate at which the investment breaks even.

• NPV assumes a discount rate, while IRR assumes a reinvestment rate.

• NPV is more accurate when comparing investments with different cash flow patterns, while IRR can be misleading in such...read more

Consulting offers the opportunity to work on diverse projects, solve complex problems, and learn from experienced professionals.

• Exposure to various industries and business models

• Opportunity to work with experienced professionals

• Solving complex problems and providing valuable solutions

• Continuous learning and development

• Ability to make a significant impact on clients' businesses

The journey in IIM Lucknow has been challenging yet rewarding.

• The academic rigor has been intense

• The diverse student community has enriched the experience

• The faculty members are knowledgeable and supportive

• The extracurricular activities have provided opportunities for personal growth

• Internship and placement opportunities have been promising