Enterprise Channel Manager Review

My placement year at Microsoft was an incredible experience. As it was my first taste of corporate life I was nervous at first but quickly slipped into a routine with the help of an amazing team and loved every moment.

I think Microsoft is one of the rare companies that truly values early in careers as extremely valuable assets with big capabilities. You are given a large amount of responsibility which means hard and smart work is required but you learn so much in the process and can get support along the way if needed.

At the beginning of my placement I was introduced to my line manager, two 'buddies' within my team and a mentor externally to my team. All of these people were a huge help throughout my placement when I needed advice, whether that be for a small task or more of long term career advice.

This varied a lot as I worked in a sales role. One week I may have a lot of calls and meeting with lots of actions coming out of them, followed by a few more quiet days where I could follow up on these. Overall I would say I was busy and if I ever had spare time there was so many projects you are encouraged to get involved in to fill the time.

Within my role I was given a large amount of responsibility. This was of course only given if your manager thinks you can handle it and it was great to have an opportunity to prove yourself and then move onto a bigger project. You are treated as most other employees would and are expected to get these jobs done well but as mentioned before there is a lot of help on hand if needed.

I cannot measure the amount I will take away from my 12months here as there is so much I have learnt. This ranges from basic meeting/workplace etiquette to more finite skills like public speaking and forecasting. You have so many opportunities to develop skills and can really tailor these to what you would like to work on.

The general atmosphere was great in the office. We mainly hot desk so your team would sit in a general area but if you want a new environment you are always welcome to go work in the atrium or in a space we call the connection which has bean bags and swings! People work really hard and then will relax by going to get a coffee and having a chat.

As there are a large amount of interns every experience is different so I will speak personally for mine. My team were essential in the setup of my placement - my manager had a structure for me from day one which was set up to aid my development. They ramp you up at the pace in which you think you can handle and by the last few months you can work really well independently. We also had regular intern gatherings organized to catch up with each other and talk to those interns we may not usually interact with in our day to day roles.

I think the thing I got from this year is that Microsoft and your team want you to develop as a person over the year, not to just perform. This was proved by countless workshops available of topics such a self belief and public speaking. There are also a multitude of free exams available which would usually cost you a lot external to Microsoft. For my personal development I had a weekly catch up with my Manager where we would discuss how I was getting on, how I could be supported more and what I want to do in the future.

You have the opportunity to go through an internal hiring process to become a graduate. Although this is conditional on if you have performed in your placement year and there is no guarantee every intern will be able to sat at Microsoft. However if you have performed then your chances will be higher!

Microsoft has an early in career cohort of over 150 between interns, graduates and apprentices. This creates a great social life with internal events as well as meeting up outside of work. A lot of the interns also live together outside of work. Within my team as well we would have monthly socials in London doing something fun.

Reading has a university so if you live in the student area which is extremely close to the office then it can be relatively cheap. There is a free shuttle bus that goes all the way from central Reading to the Microsoft campus which is super handy as you don't have to pay anything for transport.

Reading town is essentially a student town with the university nearby so they have a lot of pubs/clubs around for those that like that kind of thing. If you are looking for something a bit more lively too - London is only a 20min train ride away to Paddington Station.

Yes, there are so many societies and clubs you can get involved. Also, if there isn't a club you like, you can make one! For example an intern this year made the first ever Microsoft Woman foot ball team. Examples of clubs include netball, photography and public speaking. You could also join local Reading sports clubs too.