Cracking JPMC Code for Good: Insider Tips and Experiences for Success

Hello everyone! I'm Shambhavi , and I'll be sharing my insights on how to successfully navigate the JPMC Code for Good (CFG) India process. This program is an incredible opportunity for students to showcase their coding skills, collaborate on real-world projects, and potentially secure internships or full-time offers with JP Morgan Chase. Let's dive into the process and some valuable tips to help you succeed.

Who is this article for?

If you're currently an engineering student looking forward to participating in the upcoming Code for Good, then this article should provide you with some insight on what to expect and tips to prepare for the same.

Who am I?

I'm a student who navigated the JPMC Code for Good (CFG) 2024 process. I secured an internship offer along with a Pre-Placement Offer (PPO) for 2025, and my team achieved second place in the hackathon.

The Process, Explained!

JPMorgan Chase and Co. follows a unique procedure to recruit the best candidates from various colleges across India. The selection list for Code for Good is prepared based on the best candidates found in the first two rounds. So, read the following points carefully and prepare well for the same.

Initial Shortlisting

CGPA Cutoff: Ensure your CGPA is above the cutoff for your college, typically around 8.5.
Resume Screening: While resumes are considered, the CGPA cutoff is more critical for initial shortlisting.

Initial Presentation

Initially, there will be a presentation that will briefly cover information regarding JPMC and Code for Good, and what to expect. It will also cover information regarding the role you're applying for and the procedure through which recruitment will be done.

It isn’t necessary to join this , but you’ll be clear on the timeline if you join this session.

Coding Round

The coding round will consist of 2 questions on the Hackerrank platform. The questions will be similar to medium-easy/medium-hard questions on Leetcode, GFG, or Hackerrank. The time provided is around one hour. If you've not been an active coder, do not worry; the questions are based on DSA concepts you would've encountered during your engineering, like Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, Trees, Bit Manipulation or some Algorithms like searching, sorting, etc.

Example Questions:

Validating HTTP Requests: In my case, one of the questions involved validating HTTP requests and parsing URL parameters. This required implementing a request parser prototype to validate authentication tokens and parse parameters from URLs.

Task Description:
- Functionality: Validate HTTP requests (GET and POST) by checking authentication tokens and parsing URL parameters.
- Requirements:
  - For GET requests, validate the authentication token.
  - For POST requests, validate the authentication token and ensure the CSRF token is alphanumeric with a minimum length of 8 characters.
  - Parse URL parameters into a comma-separated string.
Connecting N Ropes with Minimal Cost: Another question I encountered was about connecting n ropes with minimal cost. This involves using a priority queue to minimize the total cost by always connecting the two shortest ropes first.

Problem Statement:
Given n ropes of different lengths, connect them into a single rope with the minimum cost. The cost to connect two ropes is equal to the sum of their lengths.

Tips:

Look at the question like a logical problem rather than a coding question initially. Figure out the logic part based on the question and test cases. Once you're good with that, then start coding in your preferred language.
Even if you solve only one complete question and some test cases of another, you might still pass. However, aim to pass all test cases for both questions to increase your chances.

Video Interview (Recorded)

This is an automated video interview where you'll answer behavioral questions. Common questions include scenarios like implementing an idea despite opposition or learning something new under a deadline. Use the STAR method to structure your answers, and ensure you're well-dressed and communicate clearly.

Example Questions:

How can a communication approach towards a teammate or colleague help?
Describe a recent successful speech or presentation you gave and how it was successful.

Tips:

Be clear and fluent.
Dress professionally.
Do not talk a lot because you are given just two minutes and you need to conclude within that time.
If you've been a part of clubs or done any internship, do talk about it if it's relevant to the question you are given.
Be honest, be confident, and at your best self.

Code for Good - The Hackathon

If you clear both the above rounds, you will be eligible to participate in Code for Good. This is a huge event where one location will have around 250-300 students participating, divided into around 40-50 teams. CFG takes place at three different locations at three different times, which are Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore . You will receive a handbook and there will be a few sessions conducted to prepare you for the hackathon. I would suggest you attend it without fail as it will be really helpful.

My Experience at the Hackathon:
During my hackathon in Bangalore, my team came second. We worked on a project that involved developing a web and mobile application to support a local NGO. The experience was enriching, and we learned a lot about teamwork and time management.

People You Will Work With:

Teammates: 5-6 people apart from you from different colleges across India. They are also competing for the same job, but teamwork matters a lot so do get to know them and work as a team despite any differences you may come across.
Team Mentors: Two Manager-level JPMC Employees generally VPs will be allotted to each team who will monitor and grade each team member, as well as guide and help your team. Do note that they are there to guide you, and help you with anything you need, and they are also the ones who will interview you and decide whether you get an offer or not.
SMEs (Subject Matter Experts): You will be working on various different technologies, and there will be many JPMC employees skilled in each of those since JPMC is a huge firm where the latest technologies are used. They will always be there and ready to help you with any problems you face or advice you need.
Program Managers: There are program managers who are the brains behind conducting such events. If you face any issues, you can contact them. They are super kind and helpful.
Non-profit Representatives: They are the ones who provide the project and specify the requirements. There will be a Q&A session with them where you can find out more details apart from the problem statement document which will be provided.

Tools and Technologies:

Git and GitHub: Essential for version control and collaboration.
Slack: Code for Good communication.
Preferred Code Editor: Use any code editor you are comfortable with.

Final Thoughts

My journey through the JPMC Code for Good (CFG) 2024 was an enriching experience, culminating in a successful internship and PPO offer. The hackathon, held offline in Bangalore, was a highlight where my team secured the second position. This experience not only honed my technical skills but also taught me the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and real-world problem-solving.

Key Takeaways & Final Advice

Coding Assessment:

Solve Completely: While solving one question fully and another partially might be enough to qualify, strive to solve both completely to increase your chances.
Optimize Solutions: Ensure your solutions are optimized to pass all test cases.

Behavioral Interview:

Take HireVue Seriously: Treat the HireVue interview as a real interview—dress professionally and speak confidently.
Structured Responses: Use the STAR method to structure your responses, showcasing clear thought processes.

Hackathon Experience:

Efficient Time Management: Work efficiently under time constraints to deliver a quality project.
Adaptability and Collaboration: Be adaptable—work with new technologies and collaborate with teammates effectively.
Real-World Impact: Think from a real-world perspective—how can your solution truly help a non-profit?

Post-CFG Selection:
It's important to note that selection isn't limited to winning teams. All team members are evaluated, and JPMC typically selects 1-4 individuals from teams who they believe performed well. This means that every participant has a chance to impress and secure an offer, regardless of their team's ranking.

Tips for Preparation

Solve medium problems on Leetcode, Hackerrank, GFG, etc. Think logically first before starting to code.
Practice speaking in front of a camera and work on your soft skills.
Get started with development and become skilled at either frontend or backend. If possible, get familiar with full-stack development.
Network and make friends during the event. Like me you might have it offline which will be very fun and you will make long time friends.
Have fun, take adequate rest, and eat properly during the event.
Focus on the learnings and takeaways from the event so that you progress technically.
Brush up on Computer Science concepts and be prepared to explain about your resume and projects.

Additional Resources

ALL THE BEST! If you still have any doubts or want to know more, do feel free to reach out to me. Happy to help!

Navigating the JPMC Code for Good (CFG) India Process: A Comprehensive Guide

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