Hi, my name is Gillian. I am a Global Process Owner for Microsoft Dynamics. I work in the Operations division. Microsoft Dynamics provides a range of business solution products such as ERP (enterprise resource planning) and CRM (customer relationship management).

I’m from Cork and studied Commerce in UCC. As part of my course I had to complete a six month internship. If I am being honest I applied to Microsoft because I knew who the company was not because I wanted to work in an IT company. While I studied a few MIS (management information system) modules I didn’t think I would get an interview as I didn’t have a technical background. I was also completely unaware of the business role opportunities that the office here in Dublin had to offer until I started researching the company in more detail. The European Operations Centre (EOC) based in Dublin employs a little fewer than 1,000 employees. There are so many roles here for people who have an interest in business.

My role consists of project and process management. I work on projects that either implement new or improve current processes that Microsoft Dynamics has to execute its business. Microsoft is a quick paced environment. No two days are ever the same. I work with great people from all over the world. Being part of the graduate programme has given me a great platform to get to know and learn from other people’s experiences. Microsoft really invests in its people. As graduates we are given training on skills that we will use throughout our careers. The graduate programmes offers huge support and networking. Being a business graduate in EOC means that I am part of the MACH (Microsoft Academy of College Hires) programme – it’s an acceleration programme that focuses on skills development, training and new experiences of graduates in Microsoft.

My interest in technology began with being able to use computers and getting my first mobile phone. I never had any interest in learning how to code. This side of technology still does not appeal to me. However while working at Microsoft I became very passionate about how we use technology on a day to day basis to optimise business success. I also have a huge interest in ideas of product development.

The Microsoft graduate programme offers a great insight into the IT industry. Not only will you learn the development of IT products but how a competitive multinational, such as Microsoft, operates. To anyone who is interested in career and competency development a company that I would sincerely recommend is Microsoft whether it is in a business or an IT role…..no-one is limited in Microsoft. If I had advice to give it would be to be yourself, be passionate, and know both your C.V and the direction you would like to head in. Be sure to include your previous work (and college) experiences as examples in interviews.

 

Best of luck,
Gillian

Graduate profile:Sian Thompson, Supply Chain Analyst, Interactive Entertainment Business

My name is Sian Thompson and I am a Supply Chain Analyst within the Interactive Entertainment Business. I need to understand data, analyze and model supply chain data in order to deliver valuable analysis to the business to improve current behaviours within the Supply Chain.

As a Graduate you are given roles and responsibilities to fulfill to the highest standards. I am looking forward to the job rotations which are part of the business graduate program. These will help me develop a broader knowledge of how Microsoft operates.

Microsoft listens to what we passionate about and gives us the opportunity to follow these passions. For example, we are given specialist training as graduates and within my team I have recently been nominated to study for An APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional qualification. You will constantly develop your skills at Microsoft.

Travel is also another exciting benefit of a Business Graduate, in March we are off to Paris for Graduate Winter School and to meet the other Graduates in EMEA. Then in July we are off to the US for a Microsoft conference.

How did I get into Microsoft?

I first joined Microsoft as an Intern in 2009 on a one year internship as my placement year of my degree. Within that year I gained exposure to the Microsoft Dynamic environment, where I was a Global Process Owner. Within this role I worked closely with the customer operations and program management to achieve a consistent operating environment for all service propositions and ensure customer facing staff are equipped to deliver a best in class level of service.

Leaving Microsoft to return to university with all the experiences that I had gained I was ready to overcome any challenges final year would throw at me.  Within my final year at University I was the Microsoft Student Partner (MSP) for the University of Ulster (Jordanstown campus).

Becoming a MSP I gained a lot more exposure on campus with the Faculty and Students sharing how Microsoft technology can be used in a student’s digital lifestyle. I became the Top Microsoft Student Partner in Ireland 2010/11!

After my internship, I knew I wanted to further my career at Microsoft besides from it being the Best workplace in Ireland 2 years in a row (3 years – this year!).

In my experience the Microsoft hiring process is very fast moving and proactive compared to the other companies that I applied for, when I would have been waiting days/weeks to hear if my application had made it to the next step. I did apply for various other Graduate Programs (just incase) but my goal was Microsoft. In total I had 3 interviews, An HR Interview and 2 Interviews with 2 managers. A few hours after my last interview, I was on the train home to Belfast from Dublin when I received the call from HR congratulating me on my position.

My advice to anyone applying would be:

1. Know your stuff
2. Show your enthusiasm
3. Remember to show off all your experiences that you have gained so far!
4. Finally, RELAX and be yourself J

Graduate Profile: Neil Cowzer, Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET),Office team.

Hi, I’m Neil Cowzer and I am a Software Developer in Test (SDET) on the Office team. The SDET is a bit of an odd role, and outside of Microsoft nobody seems to know what exactly it is. Basically, SDET’s are responsible for ensuring the released product does what it’s supposed to; the gate-keepers of quality, if you will. To do this, SDETs are involved in all stages of development: vetting the design of features, meeting with partner teams and of course, writing tests/automation and support code for these. As you can guess there’s great breadth to the SDET role which means it’s quite challenging and good fun as it allows you got to be creative in realizing your goal.

Joining Microsoft for me is not what would be considered the typical hiring process. In 2008, I went through the complete interview process straight from after completing a BSc in Computer Science in UCD, and at the death decided that I wanted to go back to UCD to do research. Three years later, I was back being interviewed in Microsoft by much the same people as first time. Walking into an interview and being remembered for your interview a few years ago is weird experience. Anyway, the end result is this time, I signed on the dotted line and I’m a Microsoft employee. Finally.

Perhaps one of the best things about Microsoft for me is their approach to integrating new hires and graduates. From day one, you are viewed as capable team member For example, within my first few weeks I had been assigned a feature and was on the line for ensuring that feature (and subsequent features I’m responsible for) will be robust when we release. So when we go live, I’ll be able to show off my feature to family, friends and anyone who cares to listen. Having said all that, it’s not a case of sink or swim, there is a great support network: you are assigned a mentor to aid you with your onboarding in Microsoft and coworkers are quite understanding and helpful while you’re getting up to speed.

The grad programme is certainly a large bonus when onboarding. First off, you all start about the same time which it makes it that much easier knowing that others are in the same boat and willing to help one another out in getting to grips with life in Microsoft. I was particularly lucky in that last year’s grad group in the Office team is particularly large, so there were lots of people about who had fresh memories of the overcoming the issues encountered in being the newbie. Within the grad programmer exists two streams: the business and technical graduates. Despite this division, you both receive much of the same training which enables you to both network with people in different teams and broaden your horizons. And despite some of us’ tech leanings, we’re a social bunch and rarely miss an excuse to head out together for a bit of fun.

Graduate profile: Aoibheann Gleeson, Partner Marketing and Engagement Lead, Sales and Marketing

My name is Aoibheann Gleeson and I am a marketing graduate working in the Irish sales and marketing team. I am on the sales and marketing graduate rotation program currently working as the Irish Partner Marketing and Engagement Lead. Each year, for the next three years I will have the opportunity to change roles and deepen my understanding of how the sales and marketing organisations work and find out what area of the business I would like to further my career in.  I love working in Microsoft and could not think of anywhere better to start my career in.

I joined the marketing team for my first rotation in July. As already stated I am the Irish Partner Marketing and Engagement Lead so my big focus is on our partners. Very simply, Microsoft relies on its partners to sell the range of products we offer. My role involves communicating with our partners on a regular basis to help them up-skill and sell our products, ensure they uptake on relevant trainings and that they are aware of the benefits and resources available to them as a Microsoft Partner. Most of this is done through our partner communication channels (Irish partner newsletter, blog, twitter a/c, partner website) but we often engage with our partners via face to face partner events so event management is another key aspect of the role. Additionally I work on enterprise marketing for two days a week and own the marketing calendar and communications for the Irish sales and marketing organisation. The Sales and Marketing organisation is an extremely fast paced part of the business and made up of very extroverted and passionate people. We are continually competing with the market and no day is ever the same in here!! There is a great buzz and it feels great to be part of it.

How did I get into Microsoft? I Studied Commerce in UCD, majoring in international business and completed my degree in May 2010. Commerce is a well-rounded business degree that gives you a fundamental understanding of business.  Shortly after I graduated I was very lucky to get a last minute 10 month internship position in a project management role and started working in Microsoft Ireland in August 2010. I was in a unique position during my internship because unlike most interns I had already graduated and was able to apply for the graduate programme straight away. In late January I underwent 5 interviews and managed to come out the other side with a graduate job :-) I could not have been happier to know I would be staying in Microsoft and furthering my career with this company!

Working in Microsoft is fantastic! This week Microsoft was officially named as the best company to work for in the world …it doesn’t get much better than that! In reality working in Microsoft is a lifestyle. It is more than just a job. It is about being part of something that makes a huge difference. My friends often ask me what it is like to work in Microsoft and they can’t get over that we have no clock in/clock out system or a day start and end time. We work around trust. From day one on the graduate programe you are a full time employee. You will not file. You will not make cups of tea for other people. You will be part of a team working on real projects from day one. Some of my favourite things about Microsoft are:

1. The people – we work with brilliant people!
2. The no uniform policy – shorts, flipflops, t-shirts – whatever you want!
3. Having access to the latest technology.
4. Being challenged continuously.
5. The benefits – knowing Microsoft has you and your families back is very comforting.
6. The travel – next July I’m going to the USA for the first time for a Microsoft conference

My advise to anybody applying to the graduate programme is…

(1)  Be yourself and only yourself!

(2)  Do not be nervous. The people interviewing you are people too. They were once in your position. They want to see you for you so try and relax and let that person come out.

(3) Research in advance – know your stuff!

Best of luck – Aoibheann

Graduate Profile: Michael McReynolds, Consumer Channels Business Manager, Sales & Marketing

My name is Michael McReynolds. I am the Consumer Channels Group (CCG) Business Manager for the Irish Subsidiary. The product portfolio I work with on a day-to-day basis is primarily focused on three screens (Phone/PC/XBOX) in Consumers lives and the value proposition Microsoft offer as a complete ecosystem.

My role is dedicated to helping effectively manage the Sales and Marketing function within the Irish Subsidiary for our Consumer products. I’m originally from Belfast and first joined Microsoft in 2009 on a one year internship from the University of Ulster. My internship gave me a taste of the PC market, the scale, distribution network, sales motion and how Microsoft interact with and manage global accounts with PC manufacturers within Western Europe. I took my learning’s one step further in transitioning across to the Irish Subsidiary working part-time whilst finishing my final year in UUJ.

Technology has always interested me – the speed at which it changes, where competitive edge is created and eroded constantly excites me. I enjoy going into work to have discussions on how we as a Business will react and create strategic advantage in Ireland. As a Microsoft employee, I had the opportunity to see a launch of Windows, Office, Phone and the fastest selling consumer electronics device ever (Kinect). Microsoft as a company have a global reach, no matter where you are in the world, the brand awareness and respect the company has earned itself since formation is unbelievable. I’m extremely proud to be an MS employee and have the best job satisfaction knowing that the technology we are delivering is changing how people interact with each other.

Going back to University after joining Microsoft was a great challenge; working in industry is very different to college. The difference I brought back to college was great personal development which Microsoft helped me achieve. The maturity gained and business understanding grasped helped push me to achieve a first class honours graduating at the top of my University class. Applying for the Business Graduate Program was a no-brainer for me, Microsoft are consistently voted the number 1 best workplace in Ireland (three years running). My office is where I am, be that at home on my Laptop or on my Phone on the move. I work with some of the most intelligent, experienced and dedicated people technology has produced here in Ireland. At 22 hearing and learning from people’s experiences helps me develop myself every day.

I applied for a variety of positions at different companies on different Grad programs. The hardest interview and scariest of all the interviews was with the Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland, I had read many articles and seen many interviews with him. One thing I learned from my internship which I kept in mind particularly for interviews was – everyone is just a person. If you prepare, have passion and want to succeed – all you need is the enthusiasm and determination to come across.

When hearing back from Microsoft about getting the job, my family were overjoyed, my friends all knew how much it meant for me and everyone including myself was delighted.

Moving into the Consumer Channels Group, I work directly with our Account Managers, Sales Directors, finance teams, marketing teams in planning, forecasting, budgeting, tracking the performance of the Business on a day-to-day basis. I track large deals into Retail, pitch in with ideas on how we can transform the Consumer experience here in Ireland and get to meet with and work with Partners on a day-to-day basis (such as O2 / Nokia / Gamestop / HP / Dell). The one thing I love about the company is – I learn something new every single day and love being part of delivering new technologies / experiences that help transform people’s lives.

The graduate program gives the support network and training necessary to help succeed in Microsoft. The opportunity and potential to go places with the company is down to you, one thing’s for sure – you’re given every chance to succeed here at Microsoft.

Graduate Profile: George Arion, International Project Engineer (IPE), Office for Mac team

Hello. My name is George and I’m an International Project Engineer in the Office for Mac team.

My first interaction with computers was at a pretty young age, and while I don’t remember how old I was at the time, I remember the PC (an HC computer – not HP ! ) perfectly. Being able to control such a device and have it respond to my actions in so many different ways was simply a magical experience that pretty much convinced me that working with technology is what I want to do in the future ( Start Trek might have helped with that idea as well ).

I have to admit that for a long time I didn’t think of applying to Microsoft, partly because of my many years of experience with Linux (both on desktop and server) and passion for the open source philosophy and community.

What attracted me in the first place were the interviews, famous for their intellectual challenges and for the really high standards that they have. I applied for the graduate program in the last year of my computer science bachelor’s degree at the “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University in Iasi.  I wasn’t disappointed and had a fair share of difficult questions & problems and even when I didn’t know the answer, the interviewers were very reasonable.

In my current role, I have sole responsibility for the localization engineering part of PowerPoint in Office for Mac, an application that is shipped to millions of customers in 14 languages (and many more markets). It’s pretty exciting to have ownership of a large product straight off from college and know that millions of people want to use your work and pay for it.

The experience so far has been great, starting with the great relocation facilities, the on boarding and the strong suite of trainings, to the day-to-day work I do and the experienced colleagues I have that I can always rely on for help. The fact that there is an organized graduate group and that we go out for parties or for different events is a recipe for a lot of fun and an easy way to integrate in a different country & culture.

To sum it up, I am a recent graduate ( joined in August 2010 ) with a lot of Linux and open source experience, working for Microsoft … on Apple devices. Pretty nice, right ?

The lesson here is that as the leading software company in the world, Microsoft has such varied positions and roles for people with very diverse backgrounds, that you’re guaranteed to find a great match for yourself if you’re passionate about technology and very good at it as well.

Graduate Profile, Dave Heaney – Gold Services Manager for Interactive Entertainment Business (IEB)

 

I am a Gold Services Manager for the UK & Ireland market in channel operations within Microsoft’s IEB (Interactive Entertainment Business) Supply Chain.  I graduated from University of Limerick in 2009 with a degree in Production Management knowing that I wanted to pursue a career in supply chain which led me to doing my Masters in Supply Chain Management in Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. I hadn’t really given Microsoft much consideration as a potential place to work in supply chain and looking back now it was very naive of me. However, I applied for their business graduate programme along with what I thought were the other more promising and safer options, as Microsoft were only a techie company banging out operating systems and software.

I was still thinking along these lines as I prepared for the assessment centre after passing a phone interview. As I prepared for the assessment centre where I had to conduct a SAWT analysis on Microsoft among other tasks it was then that I began to realise what a truly dynamic and interesting company it was. The more I researched and learned about Microsoft, the bigger the desire I had to work here. It was at this stage that I forgot about every other company and concentrated all my energies on getting a job in Microsoft.

When I look back now I was very narrow minded to put Microsoft in that “techie computer geek” box that i wouldn’t work for. True, there are a lot of people around here who like coding and creating programmes for the entire world to use, but Microsoft is not just limited to that. There is so much more to it than that, there’s the sales and marketing group selling all our products , services group who run the likes of Bing and Xbox Live,  another group concentrating on providing business solutions to SMEs, the list goes on. And the truly great thing about working in Microsoft is the fact that Dublin is 1 of 3 global operating centres and you have the opportunity to work on global projects and as well as that, Microsoft Ireland is the only place outside of Redmond in the US to have everything from concept and manufacture to supply chain and sales/marketing.

There are endless opportunities here in Microsoft and being part of the graduate programme you are considered cream of the crop, you have access and exposure to managers, mentors, cross boundary groups, global projects. As a graduate you get the feeling that you are being prepped for greatness. There are other great benefits to such as graduate training on such skills as project management. You get the chance to use the most update to date and brand new software and hardware going. And of course the most important benefits of the great canteen and Starbucks coffee. And working in channel operations shipping Xbox’s and games its necessary to test these by playing Xbox during the day…. tough I know!!

Now down to the part of how I actually got my job in Microsoft, it wasn’t easy but I really put every bit of effort into getting it. The business graduate programme had a few openings in their planning/ analysis roles. I got called back to interview for a position after the assessment centre. In fact it was 3 interviews which were pretty intense and exhausting. After these 3, I was told that there was another position that had just opened in Channel operations and they would like to interview me for that also, this involved another 3 tough interview but this was for the job I wanted. It was perfect I would be gold services channel manager for the gold accounts in the UK & Ireland market. This role involves me being the point of contact for customers such as Argos, Game, Dixons, Xtravision, etc as well as a number of large distributors in the UK & Ireland. I look after order and inventory management as well as strategic initiatives with the accounts to align and improve both our supply chains. In our role we say that if you go into Argos or Gamestop and can’t get an Xbox or a copy of Halo, that’s our fault.

I have just completed a tough and exciting season, the busiest yet for Microsoft. We launched Kinect a huge game changer in the video gaming industry as well as a number of software launches such as Halo Reach, Office 2010 and Mac Office 2011. In the 11 months I have been here I have gained a wealth of experience and learnt so much. I will be moving to a new role shortly in product release, so I’ll be moving to the far end of the supply chain getting products prepared for launch. This is just an example of the opportunity that you get from the graduate programme, you are constantly being presented with a challenge, there is never a dull moment!!

Graduate Profile: Cárthach Ó Nuanáin, Audio Producer, Product Services and Localisation Group

Hi, my name is Cárthach and I’m an Audio Producer for the Product Services and Localisation (PS&L) group here at Microsoft. I’m originally from Cork, where I got my B.Sc. in Computer Science from U.C.C. and studied music part-time at the Cork School of Music.  This dual passion led me to Dublin where I completed an M.Phil. in Music & Media Technologies at Trinity College. My thesis focused on algorithmic composition and interface design, and I developed a software/hardware system that allows anyone to create music by moving objects on a glass table surface (http://www.tcd.ie/looklisten/?i=10&n=All)

 The interview process I underwent was slightly different to that of a Software Engineer in that it wasn’t code-based. There was the usual phone screen followed by a day of one-on-one interviews with Project Engineers, Audio Producers and Managers. Two things that were emphasised over everything else were the ability to deal with people and manage time effectively. Technical experience was pretty much assumed from my background and C.V.

 As one of only three audio people here at Microsoft, we have our work cut out for us delivering localised Xbox 360 titles to the European market. As one can expect it is a job with a lot of variety. Partnering with studios across Europe requires strong project management skills in making sure deadlines are met on-time and on-budget.  A strong technical expertise is a must and you need to be very confident with industry standard tools like Pro Tools and Sound Forge. Equally important is good set of ears – the ability to focus close attention to the smallest of details. Now and then we do get the chance to sit down and play some games which is good!

 The induction process into Microsoft is very smooth and there is great support from HR along the way. Training is available and there are plenty of opportunities to become exposed to other areas of the business that you may not be familiar with. There is a real sense of being looked after in terms of the equipment, tools etc. that I also feel is really important.

Graduate Profile: Adam Starikiewicz, Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET), Office Team

There are three important artefacts that defined my childhood: Lego, Amiga 500 and Cartoon Network. The first two developed my passion for computers and engineering in general, the third ensured I was exposed to the English language on a regular basis (which was important, as I come from Poland). It wasn’t until late high school however, until my career choice would become clear – at that point I was still considering following my father’s footsteps and becoming an artist painter.

I began my Bachelor of Computer Science course in Poznan University of Technology in 2005, followed by Masters in 2008. In the meantime I interned as a Software Engineer in the Mobile Systems Lab in the university and worked part-time for Impaq on the same position. This was a time of intense learning, intense socializing and in retrospect, overall great value for my skills as an engineer. Close to the end of the course, encouraged by my friends interning in Microsoft at the time, I’ve decided to apply for a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) position in the Office team in Redmond.

I spent a long time preparing for that interview, focusing mainly on getting the technical and algorithmic knowledge intact. I’ve solved countless programming problems and made sure I’ve revised all the important data structures. The interview day came and I worked through my tasks and questions just fine, or so I thought. In the end, I did not get the offer! Crushed, I was beginning to slowly understand my mistakes on the plane back home.

A year later I decided to give it a shot once more, and applied to Microsoft in Copenhagen and Dublin. I didn’t spend much time on preparations, but ensured I learned from mistakes made last time. I’ve had 4 interviews for an SDET position in Copenhagen and 7 (yes, in one day) interviews for SDET and SDE positions in Dublin. This time, I ended up getting all the offers.

The difference lied in understanding that not just technical prowess makes a good engineer, but a variety of other, often soft, skills as well: asking the right questions, communicating your thought process, structured problem solving and being passionate about the job. These are equally as important as your technical knowledge and it’s something I’m still learning while carrying out my job as an SDET.

I find the work here really rewarding. One of the most surprising things is the attitude of people around you – the atmosphere is casual, friendly and everyone is willing to help you with whatever problem you might have. There are a lot of hobby groups you can join and the food at the cantina is great, but most importantly there’s the feeling of support and encouragement for your own development. The SDET position is rather unique to Microsoft and provides great opportunities to shape it the way you want. The overall goal is to make sure the feature you’re working on meets a high quality bar, but it’s a very general statement. You can be really creative in realizing this goal.

The grad programme is certainly a large bonus, and I’ve benefitted from it in many ways. After I’ve moved from Poland, I’ve instantly found a flatmate among other grads. The grad group in the Office team is particularly large, so it makes the onboarding much easier – we’re all in the same boat after all, and we support each other in getting up to speed. We also deeply care about the social side of the programme and waste no opportunity to go out together. It almost feels like an extension of university life, just without the courses!

Graduate Profile: Anne Magner, Business Group IT Program Manager, Visual Studio Team Foundation

Technology has always been a natural progression for me. At 13, armed with a new computer, dial-up enabled, and a basic knowledge of HTML, I began writing my very first “The Simpsons” fan website.  In 2002, I began a Bachelor of Arts degree, studying English, French and Anthropology, intending to be a teacher or a journalist. However, my desire for technology just wouldn’t give in, and I decided a year later to instead pursue an I.T related course. I studied a 2 year diploma in Network & Software Systems, and I managed to get a job for the 2 year duration in a PC repair shop – where I built computers from scratch, and repaired motherboard capacitors – this is where my hunger for being in the I.T industry really took over.

In 2005, I began my Bachelor of Computer Science degree in University College Cork.  The course was very technical, and really pushed my knowledge base. During the degree, I interned in Intel for 1 year, as an Automation Engineer. I worked in a high risk environment which really tested my agility, and general ability to carry out tasks in a logical manner.  It was during my time in UCC that really influenced my decision to want to join Microsoft.

Applying to Microsoft was a big deal for me – this was a company whose products I had used pretty much on a daily basis for years, so initially I thought that I would never be lucky enough to have the opportunity to get a job in my dream company! I worked hard to prepare for the interview process, simple steps such as reviewing my C.V, and having pretend interviews, so I learnt to steady my nerves! I remember the phone interview was incredibly straight forward, and then when I was invited to Dublin for the interviews, I was told that I would potentially have 5 interviews in the one day. I managed to remain calm and composed throughout the interview day, which really paid off. Of course the interviewers know you will be nervous, but I found that by being honest and saying I didn’t know something when I didn’t really helped both me, and also the interviewer to get to know me.

The biggest advice I can give is to make sure you are involved in other projects too outside of course work. I was the Chair of the Association of Computing Machinery in UCC, as well as being the class representative for 3 years, I did some writing for the college newspaper, and I also presented a radio show with 2 friends every Friday morning for 3 hours, which gave me loads of experience working in a team environment. You might feel you don’t have enough time with final year as it is, but it all pays off!

As well as being part of the Ireland Graduate program, I was lucky enough to become part of the APEX (Accelerated Professional Experience) graduate program, which allows me to rotate through 4 different business environments over 2 years. This way I get to use my technical skills, but also get to see a completely different side of the business – my aim is to become a leader and this program allows me to excel in this area. I started in Field I.T working with the Infrastructure team, where I aligned to Operations, but now I am part of the Visual Studio Team Foundation team, aligning closely to the Development groups. This opportunity allows me to be completely unbiased in my everyday job.

But of course there is more than just the work. I have been able to travel a lot in my time in Microsoft so far, and I am part of the graduate social committee, where we organise dinners, trips to the cinema, and karaoke, where we can interact with the other graduates, ranging from a wide variety of business areas. It is very important to understand what your peers do in the company so as to keep open-minded.

In the future I would like to be able to travel to other Microsoft offices in other parts of the world and experience their working culture for a while. Right now I am taking every day as it comes, and I don’t want to get myself tied down to any one skill set… and Microsoft allows me to spread my wings so that I can be whoever I want to be.