Insights Executive Review

My team/role were dissolved only 6 weeks after I started, which resulted in me being without a clear cut role/team/manager for 7 months. During this time it was very difficult for me to understand how to perform the jobs I was given and I felt quite unhappy. Once a clear role had been established and I had a manager and team to work with, I started to very much enjoy working for Microsoft. The tasks that interns complete on a day to day basis are fairly simple and the value of the placement comes from being able to learn from managers and team members. Once a new manager and team had been established for me, I can say that I started learning a lot.

Again, once I was integrated into a new team and I had a steady manager I felt very valued. I must say though, that even before that (during the time I had no team and no clear manager) I still felt valued by the people I came in contact with.

Here again, my situation improved greatly once I had a steady manager (about 8 months into my placement). I must highlight though, that my situation was extraordinary and that other interns would have had this support right from the start.

For the first 8 months I was both bored and too busy. The tasks I was performing were very monotonous yet very time consuming and I could not get by without working overtime on a regular basis. The experience of other interns was quite different though. Some had a very relaxed time and regularly took unofficial days off, because the had already completed their work for the week, other interns were more challenged but had great opportunities to learn and gain experience. In summary, the interns' work load will vary quite strongly from position to position.

Even during the time I received little support and guidance, I was still responsible for providing consumer market research data and analysis to almost 2000 Microsoft employees throughout EMEA (including top level management).

If I had had a more stable job with one team/manager throughout the year, I would say that I could have gained more valuable experience and knowledge. Other interns from my year certainly gained more than me. Still, thanks to my later team/manager and thanks to Microsoft's great employee training program (which interns have full access to!) I can say that the year was a good investment of my time.

The offices in London are fairly serious and there is little conversation.

Placement experiences varied quite dramatically depending on the individual line manager. Some interns had extraordinary opportunities to gain knowledge and experiences; others did not.

Being able to take advantage of the full time employee training program is a great opportunity and depending on the individual placement position/line manager there can be even greater opportunities (e.g. travel to the U.S. or Japan)

All interns must compete with other graduates for future employment. Having been an intern can even be a disadvantage as recruiters will have greater expectations.

In the London offices, there was no great social scene. In Reading, on the other hand, interns had more contact out side of work.

London is expensive.

London offers many nightlife opportunities.

There were frequent subsidised weekend trips and events such as "Challenger".