Placement Year Review at Microsoft

The Role

Role Description

I work within the Business Operations sector of Microsoft. Along with my core Readiness role which deals with ensuring we are business ready for any major changes I actively take roles in other projects which I seek or am asked to contribute to.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I am having an amazing time working for Microsoft as an intern. The role I have gives me variety and a real chance to expand my skills and develop my interests. I do not feel like my job here is 'work' because I enjoy the time I spend in the office and at offsite events, it makes me really grateful to have this internship.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

As an intern you are viewed as a permenant employee, they value your work and they appreciate all your efforts (even if you do get things wrong here and there). As an Intern you are developed and valued as if you will be here for years to come, this makes you feel respected and that the work you do really is worthwhile and valuable to the team.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I have regular meetings which are aimed at supporting and guiding me through my internship at Microsoft. These meetings are with my direct manager and supervisor through to higher level managers who take a keen interest in developing you and ensuring your internship is going as well as possible.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Being able to manage your own time at Microsoft fully enables you to gain a great balance at work. Arranging your own meetings, scheduling time to do work, to get involved in other projects and extra activities all contribute to the balance all interns are encouraged to find at Microsoft.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

As an itnern you are given a valuable role with real responsibilities. For example, I manage processes within my area of buisiness, which means I have become the expert in the field so colleagues now come to me for help and advice. I am also a project manager for new activities, both within my line of work and other projects that have been set up with fellow interns. After 4 months at Microsoft I have got more responsibilities than I could have expected, which is great becuase it is so encouraging that you really are valued.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

There are so many opportunities to gain new skills and undertake training at Microsoft which give you transferrable skills to take with you once you finish your internship. I am developing presentation skills, interpersonal awareness and many more skill sets which I believe will not only help me in my final year of university but further than that.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Everyone at Microsoft is so welcoming, the office enviroment is relaxed and cheerful. People are always moving around to meet new people and catch up with each other on both work and socially. Entering a big company without having finished your degree is a daunting thing, Microsoft has an environment which eases this and makes you feel at home straight away.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I can't fault any of the organisation related to my internship. From the moment I submitted my application I was impressed with the efficiency and organisation of the company. This hasn't stopped; my induction was excellent and so well organised, from the intern activities that were set up, interaction with colleauges from across the business taking time to teach us more about the company to the hand-over which my previous intern gave me.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Microsoft actively encourages personal development amongst its employees. Training courses and qualifications are made available and internally advertised weekly. This has really made me feel valued as an intern, I soon realised that Microsoft are interested in developing you as well as helping you to excell at your job through investing as much as they can in you.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• National Travel
• International Travel
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Working from home
• Healthcare/Dental

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The Microsoft Graduate Scheme is the next step for me, I am going to try my best to make sure that I am back, working for Microsoft again, once I have graduated from university. I am having such a great time I would be stupid to not put my efforts into having an opportunity of working here again.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

There is a vibrant social scene amongst the interns, Microsoft encourages us to interact socially and have a great time in and out of work.. they refer to us as the intern community and do their best to help us settle in and then give us the opportunity to have a great social life throughout the year, encouraging us to get involved with different events and social avtivities such as sports and clubs.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The cost of living isn't too bad because there is a university near to the main offices which means there is lots of student accomodation, clubs and bargains nearby.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

There are lots of clubs, bars and pubs in the town which means you can still be a student on the weekends!

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Microsoft has lots of sports clubs and societies which actively get involved in doing what they love best. These are all easy to join and they eagerly welcome new members meaning there are plenty of opportunities to get involved outside of work.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

For me, my year in industry was optional for my degree course. I do believe that working for Microsoft has been one of the best decisions / opportunities of my life. I am so pleased that I chose to take a placement year and that Microsoft has been my destination - the decision was hard at the time because a lot of my friends were not taking placements but I have made so many new friends here and had so many great experiences, I have only been here for 4 months and I cannot imagine how much more fun awaits us all!

Review 102/109 for Microsoft

Previous Next