Be Your Future

Hi guys,
With my internship at Microsoft drawing to a close, it’s crazy to think I’ve been with the company for almost 11 months, and it really has been an absolute whirlwind and an experience I certainly won’t forget in a hurry.

When I look back to our first week we really were thrown straight into it in our induction week; we did a number of team building exercises, saw hours of presentations to help us learn about the business, got to grips with both Reading and London Office Locations, had our first day in the office with our teams and finally enjoyed Microsoft UK’s annual party.
Not to say that every week of my internship has been like this by any means, but it certainly set the standard for the fast-paced and hectic work environment I have now become so accustomed to.

The experiences in my mind which really stick out, first is a thought leadership conference my team organized in our London Offices; Imagine. We had 200 external clients, 6 internal and 6 external speakers, our conference center transformed with Microsoft Advertising branding, 2 nonstop days, and a few well deserved drinks afterwards. This for me was great exposure to so many important clients, and it was so rewarding seeing all of my blood, sweat and tears (literally) pay off.

Other highlights include an Xbox workshop/dinner I organized, in which we engaged with a number of top executive agency clients, and with a couple of last minute dropouts, opted in for a seat on the table at a fancy dinner. Needless to say this kind of opportunity gave me great exposure, and I was sure to make sure people remembered my name for when I shamelessly added them on LinkedIn at a later date- the opportunities to network in my job role have been second to none.

I can safely say that one of the highlights of my year is yet to come; as my team will be attending Cannes Advertising Festival in just a few weeks’ time. This is undoubtedly the most important week in my teams Calendar, and having started planning at the beginning of January its set to be a massive event. To quote my boss “it will be the best and worst week of your life, and whatever you do, wear flat shoes”. My team will be hosting the very top agency execs around the globe- which for me is such an opportunity to make a lasting impression; something I can say my role has consistently offered!

I’ve definitely learnt so much throughout the year, but it’s not been without difficulty; I definitely felt like I got off to a shaky start with my manager being based the other side of the world (and I have only met her once!), but I think this really gave me the opportunity to do things for myself, and make the job what I wanted it to be.

I feel much more confident about going into my final year of uni, and whilst I hope I might get a few lie ins over summer to make up for the year of 7 o’clock starts, I really hope I can keep up a routine and treat university as a full time job. I’m more prepared for university and the prospects of a full time career. Before my time at Microsoft I cowered when people asked what I wanted to do later in life, whereas now I know that the Digital Advertising Industry is for me. I’ve seen it from a Media perspective, and now I want to see it from the agency side to understand how you manage that Media/ Account relationship.

All in all a massively successful year, with an amazing supportive team, and incredible social scene here in London with intern plans for university visits already in place!

Nicole
Partner Engagement Coordinator