Project Manager Review

I really enjoyed my placement year at Microsoft. I was given never ending opportunities and I developed many skills through the year purely by the large amounts of responsibility I was given. Even though I was only at the company for a year, the investment I received in my learning was great. I was sent to Madrid to attend training and travelled weekly in order to learn and develop my skills.

I always felt valued by my colleagues and felt supported throughout my placement year. No question was too silly and it was a very friendly and welcoming environment to be in. In addition their was a large placement cohort so it was a great atmosphere.

I was given a lot of support and guidance from my management. Even though I was in a global team which was hard to get used to at first, my managers were always on the other end of the phone so it was a very supportive environment. The guidance and support I got was great.

I had an extremely busy year on my placement. I always had work to do and I don't think I ever had a moment to spare!

I was given large amounts of responsibility on my placement by my colleagues and was often asked my opinion on situations by senior management.

On my placement I think I developed many skills that will help me on my studies and beyond. As you are given huge amounts of responsibility at the get go it allows you to develop your soft skills extremely quickly, from public speaking to how to communicate professionally in the workplace. Microsoft also allows you to take exams in office which is great for your skill set for when you are back at university.

The general atmosphere in the office was quieter in my department as my team was global but overall was a busy environment. Due to the large amount of placement students, graduates and apprentices it was a lively atmosphere.

My work placement was very well set up and I knew how my placement was going to be structured straight away as my manager outlined this to me. I found this useful as the first six months was an internal facing role whereas the last six months became external facing.

Microsoft invested in me large amounts in terms of training and development. So much so I got to attend a workshop in Madrid where I learnt huge amounts and also attended other learning events. In addition there were plenty of workshops you could sign up to if you wanted to develop any skills further.

Future employment prospects are great with the company.

As there was a large placement cohort, there was a great social scene among the interns. There was an intern committee who would regularly organise events.

The cost of living was good in Reading and it is also only a 20 minute train ride from Paddington!

The nightlife in Reading is reasonable and there is nightlife from the University which is there. London is a short train ride away too which is great.