Business Analyst Review

This placement has really been one of the best years of my life. I've met amazing people, both interns and colleagues, and learnt so much that I will be able to use in my future career.

The culture at Microsoft is very inclusive, and the team that I was part of really valued my opinion and always asked for my input on team decisions. In short, I never felt colleagues were 'looking down' on interns, including the senior team.

The support is brilliant. Regular 1:1s with my manager meant I could receive advice for my career development, and voice any concerns or problems I had (which rarely happened!). No one is too busy to answer a question for you, no matter how silly you think it is.

I have always been busy throughout my internship and never stuck for work to do, and in the last few months of my internship my workload has significantly ramped up, as we are nearing to the end of the fiscal year. I have been extremely busy, but being able to manage my workload and keep on top of my responsibilities is key to avoid feeling under pressure.

At Microsoft, you are not treated as an intern but are given the responsibility of a full time employee. That said, the support network is very strong and you aren't left to flounder! For example, I took over the responsibilities of a full time contractor when she left, two months into my internship. She was not replaced and my role fulfilled hers, alongside which I took on additional responsibilites from other members of my team.

This year has been invaluable for me. Before my internship, I had no practical business knowledge, working only in retail and completing a short work experience. Working in such a fast-paced and dynamic company in one of the most exciting years in the industry, has meant I have gained skills specific to my role and also begun to understand how the many different divisions of such a big company work together. As the first step into the corporate world, Microsoft welcomes interns with open arms.

The atmosphere is friendly and open; obviously people are here to work, but there is always a general buzz throughout the office. As we are situated in London, there are lots of client and partner meetings, which means there is usually something exciting happening, even if it's in the building next door.

There is an intern Buddy scheme, run by interns, for interns. They introduce you to Microsoft life and guide you through an induction week, which helps you bond with your fellow interns and get settled into working life. You are asked to set your commitments (with the help of your manager) near the beginning of the year, and are given feedback near the end of your internship.

There are plenty of opportunities to improve your personal development, both in and outside your role. It is all up to you though - if you want to develop, it's on your own back to volunteer and push yourself outside your comfort zone. The opportunities are endless - volunteering for school workshops, organising charity events, completing Office exams to become a specialist, or being part of intern-led teams which cover internal marketing, environmental awareness, the Buddy team, and more.

I would love to return to Microsoft at some point in my career as I love the company, its culture and what it represents. However it's worth noting that interns are generally not given a job at the end of the year, but are encouraged to apply for the grad scheme (which, as an intern, you can be fast-tracked for).

Social life is brilliant - I have made some of the best friends this year (I was living with interns and working with interns!) Also, working in London is great for going out and you are never stuck for things to do.

It is very expensive living & working in London (especially travelling and rent). However, if there are a few placement students all living in London too (there were approx 30 this year), you are all in the same boat and therefore can plan nights out around your stretched budget!

Nightlife is amazing in London (as I'm sure I don't have to tell you...) Shoreditch, Camden, Mayfair, Soho - there's something for everyone.

There are lots of sports clubs, though I wasn't part of any of them. However a few of the intern boys were part of the football team and travelled to Romania (all expenses paid!) to take part in the Microsoft football tournament (!!!)