Microsoft Intern Review

The internship has been a fantastic experience overall. I have found the experience of working to be a great motivating factor. It's been great to be able to contribute to some of the enormous projects that Microsoft undertake. As a member of the team I have worked with a wide range of people including project managers and salespersons, which has helped me develop a deep understanding of the business and its functions.

My colleagues often showed great appreciation for my efforts and it was encouraging to receive praise on several occasions. Microsoft has a very inclusive culture and I was made to feel somewhat like a valuable member of the company. The work that I have been provided with has always been meaningful.

There is a welcome week at the start of the year for new interns and a lot of guidance is provided mostly before taking on any work. My own manager has always been approachable and accessible to answer any of my queries or provide guidance. Online training and initiatives occur on a regular basis in order to keep up-to-date.

The workload does vary due to the nature of the work, some days are extremely busy whereas others are less so. As my job was a support function to the rest of the Microsoft business, a lot of work comes in on an ad hoc basis and as a result workload can vary a lot. Interns are encouraged to be proactive in looking for work.

A LOT! I feel I was given a good level of responsibility as an intern. I was given an increasing level of responsibility as I gained experience during the internship. It understandably required some time before I was given this responsibility. My job role was definitely integrated into the workplace.

The skills and experience that I have gained from this internship are invaluable to my future studies and career The internship has provided me with commercial awareness. I have developed public speaking, confidence and adaptability. I have also taken away a strong work ethic which I will apply in my final year of studies.

Enjoyed the office environment. Lots of interns and graduates - very lively. The atmosphere was very relaxed and a great environment to be able to get on with work. It was one in which it felt that everyone was there to assist others. Could sometimes be empty on Fridays because of the WFH culture

My supervisor had previously had interns before and upon my arrival, had asked around at the office for work for me to do, so that once I arrived at my placement, there were tasks for me to begin. Once I had settled in, I realised who best to communicate with for various projects, and all managers were very helpful.

I developed many skills, particular those on Excel and my manager invested a lot of time in teaching me new material. They also put aside time for me to shadow others in different areas of the business. This came a lot later in the year and I found other interns in different departments had better opportunities.

Microsoft is definitely a company I would like to work for in the future. The huge range of opportunities available in a variety of technology specialisms would ensure that a career would be both very rewarding and very interesting. Company headcount differs year to year so this needs to be more consistent.

All of the colleagues were extremely welcoming and sociable. Microsoft takes on a big early in careers through recruitment so the work environment is a mix of old and young. There was also a mid year and end of year event run by the intern cohort, which was great to be able to go to.

For an intern salary, Reading is not the cheapest location. Rent was approx £500-600 a month. This was doable with a bit of budgeting. Everything in the town is quite compact but the city centre is cute and has all the shops, bars, pubs etc. you need. On the doorstep to London.

Reading nightlife is rather limited. Revolution, Riverside, and Lola Los summaries most of it. There are however plenty of eating places across the town centre serving a variety of food. The cinema is super cheap. Reading does need to invest in a bowling alley, ice rink and other evening entertainment.

I have attended careers events on behalf of Microsoft to provide guidance and advice to students considering the company for a career. The company also places a heavy emphasis on corporate social responsibility and as a result I have been involved with various charitable activities. These experiences have also helped me develop new skills and experiences outside of technology.