Services Marketing Executive Review

It was an unforgettable experience and I believe Microsoft have now set me up for a successful career for life. I was challenged throughout the year, at times being very stressed, but without these struggles I wouldn't have made it where I am today. After reflection, I can honestly say I loved it. I am now more confidence, communicative and have grown personally and professionally.

The main thing which attracts to return to Microsoft as a graduate is how the company values their employees. They live and breath their mission statement; "to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more". Everyone is willing to help you, no matter how busy they are. I made friends for life at Microsoft and hope I can return one day.

There was a lot of support for our large intern cohort. If we were struggling or needed guidance we had many people that we could go to. From our Early in Career Leads, managers, mentors to our buddies. However, my manager was based in a different office majority of the time, so it was difficult to speak to him via Skype rather in person.

Compared to studying at University, I have never been so busy. I really struggled managing my workload as they are so many great opportunities that you could get involved in at Microsoft. I really didn't want to miss out! The really big problem is that I didn't know how to say no. So make sure you only say yes to what you can only realistically can do!

I was given a lot of responsibility. From leading and owning events to managing my teams budget. I felt very valued by team from this trust. It gave me a chance to grow and use my skills gained from past jobs and my degree.

I have already put all the skills I have gained from Microsoft to use. After my internship I volunteered at a charity and was able to implement a marketing plan. Due to the success of working at this company, they offered me a freelancing opportunity to gain more money whilst at University. From the knowledge and skills I gained from Microsoft, I will actually be basing my dissertation on Artificial Intelligence and Marketing at Microsoft!

Vibrant and busy. I never felt lonely, as there was always someone in the office. Luckily in the segment of the business that I was in had the largest intern intake. So I was surrounded by my friends, making the atmosphere very enjoyable and fun.

From induction week to being part of 101 teams, it was set up great! Seamless induction, making myself and the interns feel very welcome and comfortable, transitioning from University to work life. 101 teams were great to enhance any skills outside of your job role and to work with new people. The only disadvantage is the intern to MACH (graduate) conversion. I felt this was very disorganized, and I felt very disheartened and under-valued after this process.

Microsoft fully invests in their Early in Career cohort. We had opportunities such as being part of 101 teams (activities outside of our job role), completing Microsoft Office Specialist Exams in Office applications, guest speakers talks and so on.

Microsoft offers a range of graduate roles. But if Marketing is your chosen career path, there are only few, maybe even only one Marketing graduate role available. Majority of marketing at Microsoft is centralized, so there is little opportunity to be creative and to create your own. Once I have gained further management skills, it seems realistic that I am more likely to get a job as marketing manager at Microsoft.

I commuted from home to work, so I lived at home with my parents as I didn't live too far from the office. Majority of interns lived together. So at times I felt left out, as it was difficult to get into town for a night out, or where to stay after as there were no trains home running late at night. However the interns were very social, so I tried to get involved as much as possible and there were social events at work we could go to together.

I lived at home, so it was very cheap for me. So, the biggest cost for me was petrol and maintenance for my car. As well as a few train/ cab journeys into and out of Reading for a few nights out!

Reading was a lot of fun. A range of bars and clubs to choose from. Even if you don't enjoy clubbing, there were many other activities you could enjoy in the evening. From cinema, bowling to classy cocktails in bar!

Yes if you lived in Reading with the other interns. But I commuted from home and lived with my parents. So I often got tied in with family commitments and seeing my friends from home.