Dynamic programming (DP) is a common challenge that many international students face when preparing for technical interviews in the IT field of North America. Although it looks complicated, the basic idea is to break a problem into smaller, related subproblems and save intermediate results to avoid repeating work. Learning DP well can help candidates do better in coding tests and interviews, and also show strong problem-solving skills.
At first, many people find DP abstract, especially when defining the “state” and how one state moves to another. However, DP usually follows certain steps: clearly understanding the problem, deciding what information to keep track of, and figuring out how to get from one state to the next. With regular practice, students can move beyond just applying templates to understanding the concept.
Interviewers often ask DP questions like “Longest Increasing Subsequence,” “Knapsack,” or “House Robber” to check if candidates can handle layered logic. For international students, these problems test not only coding skills but also how well they explain their thinking. Practicing speaking your solution out loud, even by yourself, can help improve communication.

When practicing DP, it’s better to focus on a few common problem types rather than rushing through many difficult ones. Take time to fully understand each problem before moving on. Once the basics are clear, solving more complex problems becomes easier.
In summary, dynamic programming is a key part of IT interviews. For international students, mastering it builds confidence and strengthens overall algorithm skills, which are important for getting hired at good companies.