Looking for an Internship?
We’ve had a few enquiries about the Microsoft Intern Program so here goes….
Microsoft in Australia hires around 20 interns a year. These positions are available within most areas of the business, such as marketing, licensing, communications, product support, presales support, on-line project management and consulting. Opportunities are mainly based within our Sydney office - there are also some roles in our branches (Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra)
The Intern Program is a 12-month program where we look to develop your skills and experience by getting you deeply involved in a specific business unit. At the end of the 12-month program, we do not guarantee full-time employment with Microsoft, although we do consider our Interns for any suitable opportunities that may arise.
Many of our Interns move into positions with Partners and Customers. This is a great way to broaden your overall industry experience and knowledge.
Good grades are important, but the most important talents we seek from our Intern applicants are genuine passion and curiosity about technology, creative thinking and the desire to work hard alongside some great minds in the industry.
Some Advice…
- Pass your HSC and get a degree or diploma (and do it well)
- Learn tools and products that make you attractive to businesses immediately
- Research your preferred areas of employment and apply in a targeted way
- Get some experience (even if it’s unpaid)
- Be creative
- Differentiate yourself
I look for five key factors when considering applications for intern positions; (in no particular order of importance)
Attitude - Desire to learn – The difference factor – Presentation - Skills
Attitude
What I look for……
A friendly positive attitude
A team player
A hunger/thirst to learn new things
Honesty and ethics
Self-confidence
Breadth of experience
Creativity and original thinking
Relevant skills/qualifications/experience
What makes me say “no hire”
Over confidence (arrogance)
Bad attitude towards managing conflict
“I’m always right!”
“Money is #1 priority”
“I have learnt all I need to know”
Lack of creativity or ability to think BIG
Stronger candidates available
Dishonesty or unethical actions
Inability to say ‘I don’t know’
Poor presentation
Incomplete CV
Desire to learn
Formal and informal learning
Desire to Break & Fix
Willingness to try something new
Hunger to learn from others
Learn the competition
Ability to demonstrate
The difference factor
What makes you so special?
Extra-curricular activities
Sports
Hobbies
Community Service
Awards
2nd Languages
Responsibilities
Passions
Presentation
Telephone – write down what you want to ask
A good clear CV with no spelling errors
Better to be over dressed than too casual
Practice presenting answers at a whiteboard
Good eye contact & communication skills
Skills
Technical Skills….
School and College studies
TAFE
University
MSCE Qualifications (& equivalent)
Self-taught skills
Networking
Web languages
Reading – online subscriptions
Betas & Testing
Competitive Knowledge
Gadgets
Demonstrations & Industry Events
Non-Technical Skills….
Presentation Skills
Debating and Negotiation
Selling Skills
Customer Service
Project Management
Writing Skills
Team working Skills
Planning & Organisation
Competitive Knowledge
Understanding Business & Industry
If your interested in applying for an intern we recruit them at different stages throughout the year so keep an eye on www.microsoft.com/australia/careers and apply on line to be considered.
Please let me know if you have any questions or need any further information.
Thanks JJ