In the past 24 months, Amazon has undergone significant layoffs as part of cost-cutting measures under CEO Andy Jassy, with over 27,000 jobs eliminated in 2023 to streamline operations amid economic pressures, as reported in a CNBC article on the layoffs. Another key development was the company's massive investment in artificial intelligence, including a $4 billion stake in AI startup Anthropic in 2023 and 2024, aiming to bolster its cloud computing services, detailed in an Reuters report on the Anthropic investment. Amazon also faced a major antitrust lawsuit filed by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission in September 2023, accusing the company of monopolistic practices in e-commerce, which is ongoing and could reshape its business model, as covered in a FTC press release on the lawsuit. These events highlight Amazon's efforts to adapt to a challenging economic landscape while investing in future technologies and navigating regulatory hurdles.

Amazon, founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, has evolved from an online bookstore into a global powerhouse in e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence, with a market capitalization exceeding $1.8 trillion as of 2024. Currently positioned as the world's largest online retailer and cloud services provider through its Amazon Web Services (AWS) division, the company serves millions of customers and businesses worldwide. Amazon's ecosystem includes Prime membership, which offers fast shipping and entertainment, and it operates in diverse sectors like groceries via Whole Foods and healthcare through Amazon Clinic. With over 1.5 million employees globally, Amazon emphasizes innovation and customer obsession as core principles. This positioning makes it an attractive employer for young professionals seeking dynamic roles in tech and business.

Amazon's tech department boasts key competitive advantages through AWS, which dominates the cloud market with a 31% share, offering scalable infrastructure that powers services like Netflix and NASA, as noted in a Synergy Research Group report on cloud market share. The company leverages advanced software and IT applications in areas like machine learning with SageMaker, robotics in warehouses, and AI-driven recommendation engines that personalize shopping experiences. Its e-commerce and cloud industries are exceptionally well-positioned for innovation, with ongoing advancements in generative AI and edge computing. Amazon has an average reputation in the industry for strong career development through programs like the Technical Apprenticeship, but it's often criticized for high-pressure work environments, according to Glassdoor reviews of Amazon. Salaries are competitive, with software engineers earning around $150,000-$200,000 base pay in the U.S., per Levels.fyi data on Amazon salaries.

Amazon faces main challenges such as intense regulatory scrutiny, including the ongoing FTC antitrust case that could force divestitures or operational changes, potentially limiting its market dominance. Competition is fierce from rivals like Walmart in e-commerce and Microsoft Azure in cloud services, eroding margins in price-sensitive markets. Opportunities abound in expanding AI capabilities, such as through Amazon Bedrock for enterprise AI tools, and growing international presence in emerging markets like India. Threats include economic downturns that reduce consumer spending and supply chain disruptions, as seen during recent global events. Additionally, labor issues, including unionization efforts at warehouses, pose risks to operational efficiency, highlighted in a New York Times article on Amazon union efforts.