I'm curious what it feels like on the inside of one of these places. Do you get to solve interesting technical problems and write new software, or is it far less glamorous than what it seems from the outside?
Thanks
If you want to do groundbreaking work in database software then you would need to have already a lot of experience in custom databases.
If you're an outsider coming in you'll most likely be allocated to work on something typical and well understood.
This is a good thing. You have so much to learn at these big companies that you'll be glad you're just modifying CSS or calling some API. Almost all the software you use in Amazon is proprietary. Get ready to relearn everything from scratch.
Once you master the basics and you have an idea of a specific technology you want to contribute to then you go for the transfer.
Eventually if you work hard for many years and don't take anything for granted then you will build groundbreaking tech.
Rather than learning concepts in general, one get to learn concepts of respective cloud providers :-), which in my opinion will become obsolete with automation/AI/ML in cloud management/orchestration and support.
Can I consistently pass the technical exams? Read Elements of Programming Interviews cover to cover.
How can I get in contact with a recruiter at Amazon? Trade shows, through university contacts etc
Am I someone who is humble and likeable? This isn't talked about enough.
If you can do these things then you should be able to get a job at the big companies.
One last thing. There's so many different roles at Amazon you need to ask yourself "what am I most interested in?"