Preparing for tech interviews in 2026 (UK grad / junior roles)

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Hi all,

I’m a 2025 CS + Maths graduate from an RG uni, currently on a tech graduate scheme in the UK. I’m planning to switch roles within the next year, ideally into something ML-related. ML Engineering is the main target, but I’m also open to junior / entry-level SWE roles, including 2027 graduate schemes if I’m eligible and the move makes sense.

Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of discussion, mostly from the US, about interview processes changing because of AI. It seems some companies are moving away from pure LeetCode-style questions towards more practical assessments like live debugging, code review, and system design.

I’m trying to understand how much of that shift is actually happening in the UK, especially for entry-level roles and graduate schemes.

At the moment, I’m preparing by:

- working through core LeetCode patterns and revising DSA fundamentals

- practising psychometric tests (common for grad schemes)

Psychometric tests, especially numerical reasoning, are usually my weakest area, so I’m putting time into those as well.

Given the current market and interview trends, should I be preparing differently?

For example, should I be spending more time on debugging exercises, practical coding tasks, ML fundamentals, or entry-level system design?

One thing I’m also trying to understand is whether moving into ML Engineering is realistically possible from my position (no Master’s or PhD, and roughly 1 YoE), or whether most companies still strongly prefer postgraduate qualifications for entry-level ML roles.

Would really appreciate advice from anyone who has interviewed recently for UK SWE / ML grad roles.