This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
I thoroughly enjoyed my placement year at Microsoft, and I would say that I enjoyed it a lot more than expected. I went to work with the goal of gaining experience and developing my skills, however I actually became very involved and passionate about the work. I enjoyed every minute.
This is a difficult question as I did feel valued by many colleagues, and the colleagues that recognised the quality of my work were incredibly supportive and continually trying to develop me and my skills. I owe them greatly for their support. There were people who did not see the value in my work, hence the score of 7.
Although direct supervisors may not have been as available as I would have liked, there was always someone in a senior position who would fill this gap for me. I had plenty of support from senior managers and people across the business. This actually proved to be better than just being supported by my direct manager.
I was extremely busy, and this was the most challenging part of the job. This was partially due to my own desire to perform to a higher level than expected, and wanting to be respected by my seniors. Despite this, I do feel like I couldn't have worked any less than I did.
This was the best part about my placement, and the level of responsibility I was given was so empowering and motivating. I felt like a senior member of my team, let alone just an intern. I was treated like an professional with 10 years experience and was given opportunities not normally open to people of my age. I cannot emphasise enough how much trust and responsibility I was given, I had the most incredible year and developed both professionally and personally.
Although I don't think the skills will directly impact what I am studying at university, they will be used for the rest of my life in many different places. The skills I developed will benefit me in my future career(s) for years to come and I know that the impact of working at Microsoft will continue to positively impact my life for decades.
The Company
Although the office had silos of less desirable areas, 90% of the building, staff and teams were incredible places to work and very supportive and positive environments. The office facilities meant that there was always things to do and places to meet with colleagues to get you away from your usual zone. The amenities were second to none.
I was very impressed with the organisation of the placement. From the pre-arrival communication to actually joining and being welcomed to the business, I always knew what was going on. The placement scheme feels like a core part of the business rather than an after thought. Could not fault the organisation.
I felt like I was given the opportunity to develop personally through the duration of my internship. Although this rarely took the form of actual training, I always felt like I was being invested in and given these opportunities. The formal training that was offered was always useful and and a great use of my time.
Flexi Time
Sports and Social Club
Subsidised/Company Gym
National Travel
International Travel
Company Parties/Events
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
Working from home
I was offered a graduate scheme with the company which is fantastic news! Employment prospects are great within the firm, and there is a real emphasis on early in career recruitment and development. Very happy with my offer and I am looking forward to going back in September 20 19.
The Culture
The social scene within the intern community, and the wider graduate and apprentice community was absolutely fantastic. I had a great network and therefore always felt supported throughout the business, but I have also made friends for life and will be keeping in touch with everyone that was also there during my placement.
Being close to London was obviously more expensive than where I am used to being (in the north of england) however I would say being close to the university of Reading, there was ample housing, shopping and socialising within a student budget. Student houses and bars meant it was possible to have a good house and social life.
As mentioned above, the close proximity to the University of Reading meant that there was ample opportunity for the intern community to socialise. A good selection of clubs and bars, including some more budget friendly too. We could also use the Reading University Students union on certain evenings to o.
There were so many schemes, teams, club and societies that we could get involved, both in and outside of work. There was a football team which was very popular, and a photography club too (of the ones I can remember). There was a cycling community and runs at lunchtime etc.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
Sales
London
November 2018