Solution Sales Professional Review

The best decision I have made whilst at the University of Leeds was applying for a placement at Microsoft.

I was absolutely astounded by the level of trust and responsibility that I was given. My learning and development were always the first priority and I truly did feel very valued.

I was immediately given a mentor when I arrived. Jo had been an intern 12 years previously, before coming back on the graduate scheme. I was also able to meet and learn from lots of current graduates, everyone helping me to make the most of the opportunity.

I was very busy throughout the year but there was always the support structure around me to help if things got too much. My role was new and fairly undefined. It was to a certain extent therefore up to me how busy i wanted to be. I was happy to take things on and to volunteer which meant I was always busy.

This was the area I was most surprised about. All employers claim to provide a high level of responsibility but Microsoft really did over achieve in my view. During my year I presented to some of the largest businesses in the UK, often taking a leading role and towards the end of the year regularly leading sessions. responsibility is what an intern is looking for and this is the only way to really learn and develop. Microsoft understands this!!

I was supported hugely and the training I received prepared me not only for my role but also for the career that I hope to have in sales. This was mainly focussed on work and the training I received treated me not as an intern but as a new employee for the company, which was amazing. I completely forgot that I was actually at University to be honest! However the work ethic that I acquired along with the skills I gained on the placement will enable me to make the most of my final year at University.

Very relaxed and friendly.

As mentioned before I was very much treated as a new employee to the organisation and not simply "an intern." Interns are very much seen as the future of the organisation and are treated accordingly.

I am currently in the process of applying for the graduate scheme and I very much hope to return to the organisation after completing my University degree.

Microsoft takes 120 interns each year, with around 65 based at the head offices in Reading. I lived with 6 interns and next door to another 6 interns. During the year I made some great friends and even went on holiday with my house-mates at Christmas. It was a fantastic social scene.

My house was a reasonable price and Reading is not too expensive although not really cheap either.

Not the best but it was still fun!

Lots of opportunities to join sports clubs and there was a gym onsite which had classes running in the morning and evening.