Microsoft is a pretty unique place to work (well I guess I would say that but it was recently voted Number 13 in the Sunday Times 100 Best UK-Based Companies To Work For). Consequently one of the most frequently asked questions that I get when I'm on the road is around what opportunities Microsoft offers both students and graduates and of course how best to go about getting a job with Microsoft in the future. So I thought that I would try and put the record straight and give you a brief insight into what Microsoft offers for students.

Graduate Opportunities

If you have graduated or are expected to graduate with a minimum of a 2.1 and have no more than 18 months work experience post graduation then you can apply for either the Microsoft EMEA Sales Academy (11 month programme geared towards business-related grads and postgrads) or the Microsoft EMEA Services Academy (18 month programme geared towards technical grads and postgrads).

Student Placements

Microsoft Ltd runs a 48 week student placement scheme at its Reading or London offices for graduates whose course includes a requirement for spending time in employment. And Microsoft Research, based in Cambridge, now offers 12 week internships for graduate students on PhD courses.

Jobs

Getting a job (or indeed a placement or internship) is incredibly competitive however Microsoft typically looks for people who share a passion for technology, innovation, and a belief in the value of software and the difference it can make to people’s lives. So a couple of tips; check out the current vacancies available in the UK, US and Internationally; read the Jobs Blog for inside information, if you get an interview it’s worth taking a look at “How Would You Move Mount Fuji?” by William Poundstone who reveals some of the toughest interview questions used at both Microsoft and other Fortune 500 companies -- and supplies the answers ;) And if you don’t get an interview or a job at the first attempt keep trying!