Windows & Internet Explorer Product Marketing Executive Review

I've had the most incredible year at Microsoft, with experiences I never thought I'd get on my placement year. Picking Microsoft was one of the best decisions I've made.

Was treated just like a normal full time employee. Colleagues valued and acted upon feedback that I had and would always ensure I was involved.

The guidance/support provided by the management here has been incredible. My line manager, as well as mentors that I've had over the 12 months have been nothing but superb. They've given me some great career guidance.

For the majority of the time the workload has been perfect. It's been busy, but I prefer it that way. Towards the end of the year workload quietened down, but that's natural as the financial year comes to a close.

I'm not sure 'I was running the show' is the right term, but throughout the year I've been given a lot of responsibility. Responsibilities have included running the Windows 8 Internal Launch, social media channels, and other projects that our team have been working on.

I strongly believe I've learnt more from my placement year than I have in my degree to date. Gaining industry knowledge and experience within the field that I'm studying has been invaluable. It'll be great to be able to return to university with this experience.

Office environment was great - music, TV and lots of banter. Looked forward to being in the office.

The placement was very well organised - it would have been good to have a few more intern events in London, but on the whole I can't fault it.

Attended lots of conferences/events linked to social media. Training occurred throughout the year too. Could have been more personal training days etc. but the option is there through online resources.

There's a strong chance that I could gain future employment with Microsoft, but it's by no means a done deal. I will have to go through the MACH application process like other interns and students that wish to work at Microsoft.

The Reading based interns had an excellent social scene. The social scene in London, between fellow interns, wasn't great. However, this could be to do with the fact we did a lot as a team and that I was living at home.

I was living at home so cost of living was relatively cheap. Socialising in the area is expensive, however because I live at home it isn't too bad.

Loved the nightlife around London - some amazing nights out with my team and other interns.

There are a whole range of activities that you can get involved with outside of work - for me, the pinnacle was a football tour to Munich with Microsoft.