Resource Management Intern Review

The time I spent at Microsoft was the most valuable part of my degree so far. I learnt an incredible amount, and met some brilliant people. The work I did was challenging and rewarding.

I was a key member of the team and my tasks had a direct impact on the department. After just a few months I was seen as the go-to person on a number of different things.

My manager encouraged me to get involved in extra projects, and pushed me to achieve the most out of my year. She had the full understanding that a placement is about having a productive member of the team, but also helping that team member to progress and develop.

I became increasingly busy throughout the year, as the placement year coincides with the financial year for the company. I was able to complete my tasks and still have time to deliver on side projects. At times I would start early and finish late, but equally I was able to leave early during the quieter times.

As I said before, my tasks had a direct impact on the department. I was often dealing with sensitive information, and relied upon do deliver work to a high standard.

I feel like I have hit the ground running in my final year of university, as my placement has helped me to develop a far better work ethic than I have had before. I am also motivated to achieve the best grade possible, so that I can increase my changes of getting a graduate job at a fantastic company like Microsoft!

There was a really good atmosphere in the office. Everybody is really friendly, and the UK General Manager would always say hello when you passed him in the corridor. There were a number of big events throughout the year in the office, usually coinciding with new product launches.

The University Staffing team at Microsoft are great at what they do. There is a week long induction with the other 100 or so new interns, and events throughout the year for the intern community. They are always available for a chat if you need them, and are dedicated to helping you make the most out of the placement.

I set out a personal development plan that included the different experiences I wanted to gain and skills I wanted to develop. My manager was key in helping me to achieve these, but I also had a mentor who was one of the graduates at Microsoft. He helped me in preparation for my graduate application to Microsoft, as well as giving advice on how I could make the most of my placement. Microsoft interns also get the opportunity to sit a range of Microsoft certified exams for free, so I now have on my CV that I am a Master of Microsoft Office!

Unfortunately there are far fewer graduate roles available than there are placement roles, so a place on the graduate scheme is very competitive. However, many interns return to Microsoft in either full-time or contractor roles, so if you impress on your placement, there is no reason why an opportunity won't come around in the future.

As there are a number of companies based in the Reading/Bracknell area, we had a few inter-company socials throughout the year. There were people out pretty much every weekend, so there was always something to do!

I paid £300pcm rent, which is cheaper than what I pay at uni in Bristol. Some of the clubs are quite expensive, but there are student nights most nights of the week.

The Reading Uni student union was the best night out, but some of the clubs were good too. If there are enough of you out from work, it doesn't really matter what the nightlife is like!

I played in the company cricket team which was really good fun. I know other guys who played football and went to a Microsoft Europe tournament in Budapest. A couple of people ran the London marathon for the company charity (UK Youth) as well. There were non-sporting things to be a part of as well.