Kennesaw State University is one of the largest public institutions in the U.S., known for its forward-thinking approach to education. With over 43,000 students enrolled, KSU offers a dynamic and diverse environment enriched by high-impact research and a vibrant culture. Located in Kennesaw, Georgia, the university prides itself on its entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence.

As a Software Engineer at KSU, you will play a pivotal role in developing and maintaining software applications that support the university’s mission. Responsibilities include the full lifecycle of software solutions, design and development of applications, code testing, and peer reviews. The position requires a bachelor's degree and four years of experience in software development, with additional expertise in technologies like JavaScript, Python, and PL/SQL preferred.

Join KSU and contribute to an institution where innovation and student success are at the forefront. This guide, provided by Interview Query, will walk you through the interview process, common questions, and valuable tips to help you succeed.

Submitting Your Application

The first step to becoming a Software Engineer at Kennesaw State University is to submit a compelling application that showcases your technical skills and your enthusiasm for joining our dynamic community. Take the time to carefully review the job description and tailor your CV to highlight your experiences that align with the required qualifications and responsibilities.

Tailor your CV by incorporating specific keywords that hiring managers might look for and consider crafting a targeted cover letter. Highlight relevant technical skills, your experience in software development, and any notable achievements in your career.

Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call Screening

If your application makes it through the initial screening, a recruiter from Kennesaw State University’s Talent Acquisition Team will reach out to verify key details such as your experiences, skill levels, and career aspirations. Expect behavioral questions that probe into your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and professional goals.

This initial screening might take about 30 minutes and provides an opportunity for both sides to assess a potential fit. Sometimes, the hiring manager might join this call to answer your questions about the role and the organization.

Technical Virtual Interview

After successfully navigating the recruiter round, you will be invited to a technical virtual interview. This stage usually involves a one-hour session conducted via video conferencing and may include screen sharing for live coding exercises.

Questions will focus on your proficiency in relevant programming languages, such as PL/SQL, Python, JavaScript, and frameworks like Vue or React. You may be asked to demonstrate your understanding of software engineering principles, REST-based APIs, and problem-solving using appropriate algorithms and data structures. Be prepared to discuss your experience with Agile methodologies, continuous integration systems, and your ability to work within distributed version control systems like Git.

Depending on the role's requirements, you may also be given a take-home assignment to test your coding skills and ability to deliver robust software solutions. You’ll need to showcase your ability to write well-organized, documented, and readable code and your aptitude for debugging and troubleshooting software issues.

Onsite Interview Rounds

Once you pass the technical virtual interview, you will receive an invitation to attend the onsite interview rounds at Kennesaw State University. During this stage, you will undergo multiple rounds of interviews that evaluate various facets of your technical prowess and your cultural fit with the university.

Expect to showcase your skills in software development, your experience with web-oriented and service-oriented architectures, and your ability to translate business processes into technical specifications. You might also have to present any take-home assignments and discuss your approach to solving complex software engineering problems.

Interviewers will be looking for your ability to mentor and collaborate with other team members, your capability to develop and enhance the toolset and core capabilities, and your leadership in implementing assigned projects.

Quick Tips For Kennesaw State University Software Engineer Interviews

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasize your experience with Agile development methodologies, your proficiency in multiple programming languages, and your understanding of web-oriented architectures and technologies.
• Showcase Your Problem Solving and Coding Skills: Be prepared to demonstrate your ability to write secure, well-structured code and to discuss your experience with debugging, testing, and maintaining software applications.
• Familiarize Yourself with KSU’s Mission and Values: Understanding and aligning with Kennesaw State University’s institutional values and core beliefs will help you articulate how you can contribute to their vision and objectives.

Typically, interviews at Kennesaw State University vary by role and team, but commonly Software Engineer interviews follow a fairly standardized process across these question topics.

• Write a function to find and return the last node of a singly linked list. You are given a singly linked list. Write a function to find and return the last node of the list. If the list is empty, return null.

• What metrics would you use to determine the value of each marketing channel for Mode? Mode sells B2B analytics dashboards and has various marketing channels with respective costs. Identify the metrics you would use to evaluate the value of each marketing channel.

• How would you measure the success of Facebook Groups? Determine the key metrics and criteria you would use to measure the success of Facebook Groups.

• What key parameters would you focus on to improve customer experience on Uber Eats? Identify the main parameters you would prioritize to enhance the customer experience on Uber Eats.

• How would you measure success for Facebook Stories? Specify the metrics and criteria you would use to evaluate the success of Facebook Stories.

• What do you think are the most important metrics for WhatsApp? Identify the key metrics you consider most important for evaluating the performance and success of WhatsApp.

• How would you interpret coefficients of logistic regression for categorical and boolean variables? Explain how to interpret the coefficients of a logistic regression model when dealing with categorical and boolean variables.

• How would you interpret coefficients of logistic regression for categorical and boolean variables? Explain how to interpret the coefficients of logistic regression when dealing with categorical and boolean variables.

• What are the assumptions of linear regression? List and describe the key assumptions that must be met for linear regression to be valid.

• How would you tackle multicollinearity in multiple linear regression? Describe the methods you would use to identify and address multicollinearity in a multiple linear regression model.

• How would you encode a categorical variable with thousands of distinct values? Explain the techniques you would use to encode a categorical variable that has thousands of distinct values.

• How would you handle data preparation for building a machine learning model using imbalanced data? Describe the steps and techniques you would use to prepare data for a machine learning model when dealing with imbalanced datasets.

What is the average salary for a Software Engineer at Kennesaw State University?

FAQ for Kennesaw State University - Software Engineer Position

Q: What does Kennesaw State University offer to potential employees in terms of culture and benefits?
Kennesaw State University (KSU) boasts a vibrant culture with a strong emphasis on innovative teaching, learning, and high-impact research. Employees enjoy being part of a community driven by entrepreneurial spirit and Division I athletics. KSU offers competitive benefits, including a rich array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, exposure to global perspectives, and a commitment to core values such as accountability, excellence, integrity, and respect.

Q: What are the main responsibilities of a Software Engineer at KSU?
As a Software Engineer at KSU, you will be involved in end-to-end software development processes, including requirements gathering, design, development, testing, and maintenance. You will also architect software applications, ensure effective problem-solving through suitable algorithms, document code, manage version controls, and mentor junior staff. Your role will be pivotal in executing software solutions that support the university's mission.

Q: What qualifications are required for a Software Engineer role at KSU?
Candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution or an equivalent combination of education and experience, along with four years of software development experience. Preferred qualifications include proficiency in PL/SQL, JavaScript, Python, and related technologies, as well as experience with Agile methodologies, REST, SOAP, and higher-education environments.

Q: What skills are essential for the Software Engineer position at KSU?
Key skills include strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, proficiency in development tools and languages, teamwork, and project management skills. Knowledge of web architectures, frameworks, secure coding practices, and debugging methods is also crucial. Additionally, being organized, detail-oriented, and having excellent initiative and judgment are vital for success in this role.

Q: How can I prepare for an interview at Kennesaw State University?
To prepare for your interview, research KSU and its mission thoroughly, review the required and preferred qualifications for the role, and be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they align with the responsibilities of the position. Practice common interview questions and enhance your technical skills through mock interviews and assessments available on platforms like Interview Query.

Are you ready to shape the future of innovation and education? Joining Kennesaw State University means becoming part of one of the largest public institutions in the country, recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit and high-impact research. As a Software Engineer at KSU, you will play a crucial role in developing software solutions that drive the university's mission. With ample growth and mentorship opportunities, KSU nurtures talent across 92 countries. Eager to learn more? Check out our main Kennesaw State University Interview Guide where we cover frequently asked interview questions and provide insights into the interview process. At Interview Query, we offer resources that equip you with the knowledge, confidence, and strategies needed to succeed. Prepare well and good luck with your interview!