Sales Excellence Manager Intern Review

Thoroughly! I am so glad that I decided to apply to Microsoft's Placement Scheme; I can't imagine myself being anywhere else now! Each day brings new, exciting and endless opportunities. Not only have I grown significantly whilst being here, but I have had an amazing experience being a part of the wider intern community; a network I will always cherish in my professional career.

I have always felt welcomed and appreciated by my colleagues; especially by the intern community and the wonderful 'University Recruitment' and 'HR' teams! Microsoft's values include Respect, Integrity and Accountability; which I can honestly say are true! We have "Value Conversations" which help to reinforce this culture at Microsoft, including the intern community.

I couldn't have asked for a better manager! They were incredibly supportive and always gave guidance on both my professional and personal development. We had regular meetings to discuss my experience throughout the year, and they created an open and transparent platform to discuss things together. Other people who have managed me were extremely kind and inclusive too.

Personally, I was always busy and had persistent deadlines, but it has always been manageable. I have been challenged and pushed at times, but overall never overwhelmed. However, it is (mostly) up to you to determine how busy you want or need to be. "You get out of it as much as you put in". As I mentioned earlier, there are endless opportunities here. For example, to study and earn Microsoft Certified badges, get exposure to different areas of the business, take part in hackathons, visit customers, do presentations, volunteering etc. Microsoft has a culture of "Growth Mindset" and "Learn it all, not know it all", and I would also recommend to get as much out of your internship year as possible.

My managers trusted me with projects that were absolutely essential for making vital decisions in the business, and my responsibility has only grown since being here! Whether it was building Power BI reports for a General Manager, editing and changing Opportunities in their MSX CRM system to impact pipeline or presenting internally or in front of customers. I was surprised that I would get this much exposure during my placement but so thankful that they allowed me to take responsibility and have a tangible impact on the business.

I am thankfully able to say that I have passed all of their Fundamental exams (Azure, Dynamics, Power Platform and Microsoft 365), became a Microsoft Office Master, and took part in multiple MOOCs (Massive Open Online Course) in topics such as AI, Value Negotiation and Challenger Mindset. All of these have been incredibly beneficial for my development and am sure will assist greatly in my career. However, I have also enhanced my soft skills through a wide variety of projects.

The atmosphere in the TVP office in Reading is amazing; very friendly, open, creative and fun. I always felt comfortable approaching people regardless of their authority or position. They have a big focus on diversity and inclusion, to allow everyone to come as they are, and be their best self. Practically, they have many rooms for calls and meetings, but also have many social areas to collaborate and work together with colleagues in an open environment, with lots of technology (as you can imagine!) They also have a very nice area outside where many people gather during lunch to enjoy the sun.

The set-up and coordination of my work placement were extremely well thought out and planned! They have a very extensive onboarding experience when you first start, where the interns from the previous year stay for a few extra weeks to teach and work alongside you.

They provide immeasurable professional qualifications for free, which you should definitely take advantage of! They have an incredible boarding and readiness experience, and their FTEs (Full-time employees) are always ready and willing to teach you about anything you want or need insight on.

The employment prospects are extremely bright, especially with their extensive graduate scheme, which focuses on technical positions. I definitely want to come back and work for Microsoft! Their 'University Recruitment' and 'HR' teams are very helpful in teaching us about what there is to offer, and how we should approach the application process.

The intern community is incredible! During my year, there have been around 50-60 interns across the business who specialise in different areas. On a professional level, I have worked with many of them on exciting projects utilising Azure and the Power Platform. On a personal and social level, they have an Intern Committee who ensure that everyone has a great experience, who also plan many social events and encourage people to get together outside of work.

Reading is fairly affordable. With it being just outside of London, it can be more expensive than other areas in the UK but I don't have any complaints!

Personally, I have never been out in Reading, most of the interns go out quite frequently here. London is also only 25-30 minutes away on the direct train.

Microsoft has numerous ERGs (Employee Resource Groups), with many interest groups, especially in sports, but also in other hobbies such as photography etc.