ACM Technology Consultant Review

Coming from a technical background I always had a keen curiosity of how people utilise the technology that is used from day to day. People side of technology embraces the human side of all the solutions that Microsoft produces for its clients, how it affects them and how we can continue empowering every individual on the planet to do more. My core role at Microsoft is an ACM consultant. I sit within the Global adoption and change management practice, where we support our customers throughout their change journey when adopting Microsoft technologies. The practice is made up of around 120 consultants in the regions of EMEA, Asia and Americas which work together on customer engagements. Our practice sits within the Microsoft Services division with a vision to help customers and partners realise their full potential through the accelerated adoption and productive use of Microsoft technologies. Microsoft Services goal is to be the best technical consulting business in the world, constantly delighting our customers through delivery. Our goal as consultants is to drive high value end user adoption for our customers through targeted individual, group and organizational change management services. My key responsibilities include supporting our senior and principal consultants with the development and execution of Adoption and Change Management programs to drive adoption of Microsoft services and deliver measurable business value. I have been involved in multiple stages of the adoption process. An example of an engagement which I worked through the entire change cycle was a customer organisation changing from using skype to Teams.

Technical Skills Research skills: During my time thus far at Microsoft I have built this skill by sourcing and being able to identify credible information that I can analyse for a deliverable. When creating a community collaboration learning plan for a customer, my research skills also developed to be able to understand and evaluate the relevance of the data collected to the customer/project. Power Apps: I have created numerous Power Apps during my first 6 months at Microsoft for different purposes. Having no prior experience using power platforms I researched the low code method of Power Apps and built my knowledge. Using hands on learning and experimenting how to build custom business applications storing data on different premises such as SharePoint and SQL Servers I developed my ability to which I now create power apps and power Bis for customers utilising Flow Automate in the process. Communications Management: Within my DigiGirlz communications role I have learnt how to create communication plans, tailor my communications to specific audiences and the managing of posts made on behalf of DigiGirlz UK ensuring correct branding, imagery and wording that follow global guidelines. I have also utilised my learnings in other areas of my work. For example, for the Mystery Coffee Catch-Ups initiative discussed above I created a communications plan, including dates for when communications should be sent out and colour coded based on the audience. Interpersonal Skills Presenting skills: I have had many opportunities at Microsoft to enhance and practice my presenting skills. Examples include presenting deliverables to customers within my core role, speaking to prospective students wishing to join Microsoft in FY22, delivering an employee engagement presentation for DigiGirlz to 300 Microsoft employees and most recently being invited to speak to over 200 girls in years 7-10 at a school about DigiGirlz and my experiences thus far including my undergraduate degree and internship at Microsoft. Team work skills: Working in a global practice has allowed me to collaborate with people from various countries and practices within Microsoft. Having the opportunity to connect and work with people with different backgrounds to myself has enhanced my team work ability. I am now able to confidently state my strengths which I can bring to the team and ask for guidance from others who have more knowledge and expertise on an area I may need guidance on. Driving digital transformation with customers is a team sport. After gaining experience working on multiple different teams I have the ability to stay focused on our customers' satisfaction while operating in a highly-collaborative and global organisation.

Yes

Microsoft offers great support and guidance to all individuals on their internship journey.

With Microsofts mission being to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more. The culture is centred on embracing a growth mindset, a theme of inspiring excellence and encouraging teams and leaders to bring their best. Throughout my internship, this has been at the forefront whilst also entailing a great inclusive atmosphere.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement year and would highly recommend Microsoft as an employer!

Yes

Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try! I would advise anyone considering a placement to go for it! It is a big commitment and can seem very daunting, but it is such a valuable experience and will allow you to explore your interests. As an Intern, I’ve been given endless opportunities to learn new skills and build my network whilst being fully supported by the Microsoft community. Not only have I gained knowledge and experience in my field of study, I have also learned so many valuable skills that I will carry forward in my personal life and professional career.