I secured an AWS SDE 2 interview through a referral from a current employee, which quickly led to an initial phone screen. The interview process included a 30-minute technical phone screen focused on data structures and algorithms, a 1-hour technical interview on more complex problems, and a virtual on-site interview with four back-to-back sessions. These included two coding rounds, a system design interview, and a behavioral interview centered on Amazon’s Leadership Principles. The interviewers were professional and supportive, making the challenging process fair. Preparation involved practicing data structures and algorithms on platforms like LeetCode, understanding distributed systems and microservices for system design, and using the STAR method for behavioral questions. Overall, it was an enriching experience that tested my skills comprehensively, and the referral helped expedite the process.