Interview Prep
Interview Prep
Good afternoon. I'm Lakshit Jain, a third-year Computer Science student at Delhi Technological
University. My academic focus has given me a strong foundation in Data Structures and
Algorithms, and I've developed practical skills in web development using the MERN stack.
I'm passionate about solving complex problems, which has led me to achieve Knight status on
LeetCode through consistent practice. This experience has sharpened my analytical and coding
skills, which I believe will be valuable in a fast-paced environment like Morgan Stanley.
Beyond my technical skills, I'm eager to learn and grow. I'm currently exploring Machine
Learning to broaden my expertise and stay at the forefront of technological advancements.
I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my problem-solving abilities, coding skills, and
enthusiasm for technology to contribute to Morgan Stanley's innovative projects and client-
focused solutions.
Thank you sir for your time and consideration today. I've truly enjoyed our conversation and am
even more excited about the possibility of joining the team at Morgan Stanley. Your insights into
the role and the company culture have been invaluable.
Questions:
1. What are the plans for Morgan Stanley over the next
5 to 10 years and how could a fresher help you
achieve them in this role?
2. What’s the first thing you would need me to
concentrate on in this role at Morgan Stanley?
3. What advice would you give to the successful
candidate who wants to excel in the role?
4. What would be the quality that all your employees
possess or you want in them?
Projects:
1. Airbnb Clone
I developed an Airbnb Clone project while learning web development and putting my skills into
practice. This project was a great way for me to dive into full-stack development and get hands-
on experience with a variety of technologies.
Tech Stack: For the frontend, I used Bootstrap, HTML, and CSS to create a clean and
responsive user interface. On the backend, I worked with Node.js and Express.js, while
MongoDB served as the database. I also integrated Mapbox for the map functionality and
Cloudinary for handling image uploads.
Motivation: My main motivation for this project was to build something functional and visually
appealing that mimicked the core features of Airbnb. It was a perfect way to combine different
technologies and see how they interact in a real-world application.
Overall, working on this Airbnb Clone was a fantastic learning experience. I encountered and
overcame several challenges, which not only improved my technical skills but also prepared me
for more complex projects in the future.
CarbonLens
So, Carbon Lens was a project we developed during a hackathon, and it was quite an exciting
journey. Our team of four divided our efforts effectively: myself and one teammate focused on
developing the frontend and implementing the charts. The other two team members handled the
backend development and integrating the OpenAI API for suggestions on reducing carbon
footprints.
1. Feature Expansion: Initially, after developing the carbon footprint calculator, we felt the
need to enhance our project's utility. Integrating the OpenAI API was a brilliant idea to
provide personalized suggestions. However, we faced challenges with the consistency
and quality of responses. It took considerable effort to refine our prompts and improve
the reliability of the AI-generated suggestions.
2. Implementing Charts: Visualizing data accurately was crucial for our project's success.
My teammate and I worked closely on implementing Chart.js to create informative and
visually appealing graphs. Understanding the documentation thoroughly was key to
overcoming initial hurdles and customizing the charts to fit our project's needs.
3. Team Collaboration: Working as a team of four during the hackathon was both
challenging and rewarding. We had to synchronize our efforts, communicate effectively,
and tackle issues collaboratively. Dividing the workload based on our strengths ensured
that each aspect of the project, from frontend design to backend functionality, was well-
executed and integrated seamlessly.
4. Dynamic Data and Emission Factor Variability: Finding consistent emission factors proved to be
a significant challenge. The variability in data across different regions, such as the higher carbon
footprint of electricity produced in India compared to American or European nations due to coal
dependency, required extensive research and adaptation and we had to finalize one American
research paper.
Conclusion: Overall, Carbon Lens was a testament to our teamwork, problem-solving skills, and
dedication to creating impactful solutions. It was a valuable learning experience that not only expanded
our technical abilities but also deepened our understanding of sustainability challenges and the role of
technology in addressing them.
Nexzon
Nexzon was a project I developed to simulate the user experience of a large e-commerce
platform like Amazon, using React for the frontend. It aimed to provide functionalities such as
authentication, order placement, a search bar, add-to-cart functionality, and a demo payment
system using Stripe. To broaden my skills, I chose to integrate Firebase for data storage and
authentication alongside React.
Tech Stack:
MVC:
MVC is a software architectural pattern that separates an application into three main
components: Model, View, and Controller. This separation allows for efficient code
organization, easier maintenance, and scalability, especially in larger applications.
Model is responsible for handling data-related logic. It manages how data is stored,
retrieved, and manipulated. For instance, in a web app like Airbnb, the Model would
represent the structure of properties, users, and bookings in the database.
View is what the user interacts with. It presents the data to the user in a readable format.
In a web application, this could be the HTML/CSS that displays a list of available
properties on the screen.
Controller acts as the middleman between the View and Model. It receives input from
the user via the View, processes it, and tells the Model what to do with the data. For
example, if a user filters properties by price, the Controller would pass that filter to the
Model and then return the filtered data to the View for display.
Advantages of MVC
1. Separation of Concerns:
MVC effectively separates the business logic (Model), user interface (View), and input
control (Controller), making it easier to manage and update individual parts of an
application without affecting others.
2. Scalability:
Large organizations, like Morgan Stanley, benefit from MVC because it promotes a clean
and structured codebase. Teams can work independently on different components (e.g.,
front-end developers on the View, backend developers on the Model), enhancing
collaboration and productivity.
3. Reusability:
The Model, View, and Controller can be reused across different parts of an application.
For example, the same Model used to fetch data for desktop and mobile applications.
4. Maintainability:
In large systems, code tends to grow complex over time. MVC makes it easier to
maintain the codebase since each component is independent. If a bug occurs in the View,
you don’t have to dig into the Model or Controller code.
5. Testability:
MVC supports testing well. Each component can be tested separately, making it easier to
ensure reliability and quality. For instance, the business logic in the Model can be unit-
tested without worrying about the UI.
For large organizations like Morgan Stanley, scalability and maintainability are key concerns
when building large applications. MVC allows:
1. Team Collaboration: Different teams can work on different layers of the application
concurrently, improving efficiency and reducing bottlenecks.
2. Easier Debugging and Testing: By isolating components, debugging becomes simpler,
and unit tests can be performed on individual parts without needing the entire system.
3. Adapting to Change: Large applications often need to evolve over time. Whether you
need to update the user interface or change the way data is managed, MVC allows you to
make those changes without breaking the entire system.
Why Javascript ?
While I have experience with both JavaScript and Python, I prefer to use JavaScript for web
development because of its native integration with browsers and the ability to work seamlessly
across both the front-end and back-end. Here are a few reasons why I lean towards JavaScript:
Why MongoDb ?
1. Understand the Context:
Begin by clarifying the context if necessary. Ask the interviewer if they are referring to a specific
project or application type. This helps tailor your answer to their needs.
Begin with a brief statement acknowledging that both MongoDB and SQL databases have their
strengths. This shows that you have a balanced understanding of the technologies.
Focus on the following points, adjusting based on the specific context of the discussion:
Schema Flexibility:
Mention how MongoDB allows for a schema-less design, which can be beneficial when
dealing with evolving data structures or when each document might have different fields.
Scalability:
Discuss how MongoDB’s horizontal scaling capabilities are ideal for handling large
datasets and high-traffic applications, contrasting it with the vertical scaling typically
associated with SQL databases.
Handling Unstructured Data:
Explain how MongoDB excels at managing unstructured or semi-structured data formats,
making it suitable for applications with diverse data requirements.
Development Speed:
Point out that MongoDB can accelerate development cycles by eliminating the need for
complex migrations and allowing for quick iterations.
Document-Oriented Model:
Talk about the advantages of a document-oriented structure that aligns well with modern
web technologies, making it easier to work with nested or hierarchical data.
Briefly mention that SQL databases have their advantages, such as strong ACID compliance and
better handling of complex transactions. This demonstrates your understanding of both sides.
End by stating that you prefer MongoDB for specific projects or use cases, particularly those
involving high scalability, flexibility, or real-time data processing.
Sample Response:
"I believe both MongoDB and SQL databases have their strengths, and the choice depends on
the specific application needs. I lean towards MongoDB when dealing with projects that require
schema flexibility and scalability. Its schema-less design allows for rapid development and
iteration, which is especially useful in agile environments. Additionally, MongoDB’s ability to
handle unstructured data and support for horizontal scaling makes it ideal for high-traffic
applications. That said, I recognize that SQL databases excel in scenarios requiring complex
transactions and strict data consistency. Therefore, I evaluate the project requirements carefully
to choose the best database solution."
Briefly acknowledge that both React and Angular are powerful tools, and the choice often
depends on the specific needs of the project.
Focus on a few key advantages of React, prioritizing those most relevant to the role or project.
Here’s a possible structure:
1. Component-Based Architecture:
o "React’s component-based architecture allows for modular code, making it easier to
maintain and reuse components across applications."
4. Learning Curve:
o "React has a relatively simple API and uses JSX, which helps new developers get up to
speed quickly. This makes it easier for teams to onboard new members."
"While React has many advantages, I recognize that Angular offers its own strengths, such as a
comprehensive framework with built-in solutions for routing, form handling, and dependency
injection. This can be advantageous for large-scale applications that require a more opinionated
structure."
5. Conclusion:
Why Firestore ?
Firebase Overview:
Firebase is a comprehensive platform developed by Google for building web and mobile
applications. It provides a range of tools and services to help developers build high-quality
applications, improve app engagement, and increase user retention. Some key features of
Firebase include:
Real-time Database: A NoSQL cloud database that allows data to be synced in real-time across
all clients.
Authentication: Simplifies user authentication with various providers (email/password, Google,
Facebook, etc.).
Cloud Functions: Allows you to run backend code in response to events triggered by Firebase
features and HTTPS requests.
Hosting: Provides fast and secure static web hosting.
Analytics: Integrates analytics to track user engagement and app performance.
Firestore Overview:
Cloud Firestore is a scalable, serverless, NoSQL document database that is part of the Firebase
platform. It allows you to store and sync data for your mobile and web apps on a global scale.
Key features of Firestore include:
Document-Collection Model: Data is organized into documents and collections, making it easy
to structure data hierarchically.
Real-time Sync: Like the Firebase Realtime Database, Firestore also allows real-time data
synchronization across all connected clients.
Offline Support: Firestore provides robust offline support, allowing users to access and
manipulate data even when not connected to the internet.
Powerful Queries: Firestore supports complex queries and indexing, allowing you to retrieve
data efficiently.
2. Scalability:
o Firestore is designed to scale automatically, handling large volumes of data and high
read/write loads without manual intervention.
3. Cross-Platform Support:
o Firebase provides SDKs for various platforms, including web, Android, and iOS, allowing
for easy cross-platform development.
4. Integrated Services:
o Firebase offers a suite of integrated services (like Authentication, Cloud Functions, and
Analytics) that simplify development and allow for rapid feature implementation.
6. Ease of Use:
o Firebase’s straightforward setup and intuitive APIs allow developers to focus on building
features rather than managing infrastructure.
7. Offline Capabilities:
o Firestore provides excellent offline capabilities, allowing users to continue interacting
with the app even without an internet connection. Changes are synchronized
automatically when the connection is restored.
8. Security Rules:
o Firebase offers a powerful rules engine that allows developers to define granular
security and access controls for their data.
NoSQL Flexibility: Unlike traditional SQL databases, Firestore’s NoSQL structure allows for
flexible data modeling, which can be advantageous for applications with evolving data
requirements.
Integrated Ecosystem: Firebase's suite of tools provides a cohesive ecosystem for building,
deploying, and managing applications, reducing the need for multiple services.
Focus on Real-time Applications: If your application requires real-time features, Firebase's real-
time capabilities can significantly reduce development time compared to setting up similar
functionality with other databases.
Reduced Server Management: With Firebase, you don’t have to worry about server
management and scaling issues, allowing you to focus more on app development.
Driven:
"I’m always pushing myself to improve, whether it's through competitive programming or
learning new technologies."
Innovative:
"I enjoy coming up with creative solutions, like what I did in my Nexzon project."
Collaborative:
"I work well with others and believe that teamwork leads to the best results."
One area I’m working on is my comfort level with public speaking. While I can communicate well in
smaller groups, addressing larger audiences is something I’m improving. To work on this, I’ve started
participating in workshops and smaller speaking engagements to build my confidence.
Morgan Stanley should hire me because I bring a unique combination of technical skills,
problem-solving ability, and enthusiasm for innovation that aligns perfectly with your needs.
I’m passionate about using technology to create innovative solutions. I believe this aligns well
with Morgan Stanley's reputation for leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver superior
financial services. My enthusiasm for tackling challenging problems and creating efficient,
scalable solutions would contribute positively to your team's efforts.
Lastly, I have a strong work ethic and am deeply committed to continuous improvement. I
consistently seek out opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills, which I believe aligns
well with Morgan Stanley's emphasis on personal and professional growth.
However, I recognize that as a student, I'm still trying to gain professional experience. While I
have some knowledge, I'm working on deepening my expertise in specific areas like machine
learning and problem solving. Additionally, balancing multiple responsibilities has sometimes
been challenging, but I'm continuously improving my time management skills to address this.
I believe my strengths make me well-suited for this role, and I'm committed to addressing my
weaknesses through continuous learning and growth."
Work Experience:
During my Web Development internship at Nexus Info, I worked on several key projects using
MongoDB, Express, and Node.js. One of my main tasks was developing responsive login and
signup pages, which improved user engagement. I also created a restaurant website with
authentication functionality and designed a professional software company website.
In my Data Analyst internship at DTU's Computer Center, I played a crucial role in developing a
university-wide software system. I created SQL tables using Apache XAMPP and developed
CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) pages for all tables. This work significantly streamlined
data management for various departments, including Ph.D. scholar information and collaborative
funding.
One of the challenges I encountered was working with PHP, a language I wasn't familiar with at
the time. I overcame this by studying existing code from other departments and extensively using
documentation. This experience honed my ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and solve
problems independently.
I also implemented data visualization using Chart.js, which enhanced the system's ability to
present complex data in an easily understandable format.
Bootstrap:
I chose Bootstrap because of its extensive component library, which is not only responsive but also
highly customizable. Its widespread adoption ensures strong community support, making it easier to
find solutions and best practices during development.