Placement Year Review at Microsoft

The Role

Role Description

I communicate the key SMSP messages through a consistent a clear communications strategy that I put into place. This include creating communications using the template I designed and coming up with new ideas to reinforce our key theme for this finacial year.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I enjoy my work and never dread getting up in the morning!

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Everybody i meet treats me as a full time employee and not just an intern who isn't capable.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I have weekly reviews with my manager which are a chance for me to provide him with feedback on how I feel that my placement is going and how he can support me in making my job more enjoyable.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Due to the nature of my job there are natural fluctuations in how busy I am but I enjoy the unpredictability of what might come next.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

i am responsible for my own projects and execution which are then pitched to the directors and executives for approval.

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

I can see now how some of my textbook learning can be applied to real working situations and i have plenty of practical examples to add to my knowledge in future studies. It has given my course some context.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There is a very positive culture at Microsoft and moaning is frowned upon. The attitude is 'if you don't like it, do something about it' and the resources are available so that they can. I think that helps everybody to keep upbeat and defiitely makes the day go quicker.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Microsoft employ so many interns each year that they have hads plenty of practice getting it right. We all had a 3 day induction and then were picked up by our hiring managers, set up with our laptops and phones and shown the ropes.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I have attending training that focuses on personal/professional development, taken exams to improve my IT skills and had meetings with managers across the business that have educated me about how Microsoft works as a company. I will leave Microsoft with qualifications in Microsoft office that will look great on my CV and my mentors have helped me to develop a plan of how I can further myself in my career according to my key strengths.

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
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Working from home

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I would love to come back to work as a grad for Microsoft but nothing is garunteed and the Grad recruitment process is competitive. I have guidance from my mentor (who was an intern and is now a Grad) in how i can put myself out there and network in order to increase my chances of being recognised and build on peoples awareness of me.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Not only do we have 103 interns to socialise with but we are in a great location for going out and there are plenty of other companies located nearby with interns that live locally. in fact we just had our first inter-company intern social!

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Not bad depending on what you're used to. I'm from Surrey so Reading is on par. You still have to watch what your spending but can afford to go out twice a week if you like.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Plenty of bars and clubs. free bus that runs 2hours from the centre of town to the end of our road.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I haven't really looked for activity oppertunities 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?

The sheer number of interns means that you have a community- a bit like university. This helps with housing- i share with 5 other interns and also with the settling in process.

Review 104/109 for Microsoft

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