Hi everyone! My name is Natasha Joseph and I have just joined the Academic Team at Microsoft. Although I have only been here just over a week, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere different for this year, and am really excited to get going. In writing this blog, I want to give you an insight into what it’s like at Microsoft and give all those young students out there, a few helpful hints on how you could successfully get yourself an internship here, just like me.
For the past two years I have been studying at Exeter University doing Business Management, with the dream of one day becoming a successful manager in marketing. Some may be questioning, ‘what is a girl who is doing business, with no particular technical experience, doing at Microsoft!?’
This is where I want to begin…
When first visiting the offices, I was guilty of those typical Microsoft misconceptions; I was expecting a load of tech geeks in suits, however my whole perception of the place that day changed and I fell in love. The place is relaxed and full of colour, the technology available is far beyond my previous comprehension, the offices are slick and fashionable and the whole lifestyle here is just so forwards moving. I remember leaving that day thinking, ‘WHEN CAN I START!?’ It was perfect and everything I wanted in a workplace. Best of all, I could genuinely imagine myself fitting into the Microsoft community. And that is just what Microsoft is like… a tight knit community and family, a quality that most big corporates lack.
I won’t lie and say that anyone can get a job at Microsoft, but it is justifiable to say that an employee can come from anywhere. The diverse ranges of people within these buildings are just amazing, and I can honestly say that everyone here truly fits in. Whether you are a lover of consulting, a great communicator and networker or a person who prefers a role helping to develop the most innovative of technologies, there is a place for you here. Not only that, but all the work done here is truly meaningful, with every employees making a real difference. That is a quality that really attracted me, as I really wanted a lot of responsibility, and a chance to own my own projects, and that is just what I have been given.
However, the process to get this internship and any job here is not for the faint hearted, as there are a lot of stages in order to get to the final few. These include; application forms, online tests, telephone interviews and assessment centres. I would say to anyone who wishes to apply, that firstly make sure this is the place for you, check it is the culture you want in a workplace, and that there is a role or department you are really interested in (although the HR team here is really good at figuring out how well and where you could fit.) Secondly, at all stages of the application process, BE YOURSELF AND BE HONEST! There is nothing worse than someone who pretends to be a certain way, and then comes to a place which they may not really enjoy. Lastly, I would recommend to really do your research, as you want to love the place you are working in. As I started delving more and more into the world of Microsoft and the sheer range of AMAZING products and services they have to offer, it soon became hard not to love.
If I could leave everyone with one message, it would be to encourage people to apply for jobs here. If you are in the same position as I was just a few months ago, and are looking at companies to work for, this is truly an opportunity of a lifetime and I feel really lucky to have been offered it. I couldn’t speak more highly of the benefits and rewards you can get from working at Microsoft. It is an incredible place to work and I am now a real MICRO-LOVER!
Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @Tashjoseph66, and anyone who has any questions can email me at t-njosep@microsoft.com. Keep in touch!
Nice office