The Truth About Being a Microsoft Intern

Artificial intelligence. Cloud computing. Mixed reality. It seems like the world of tech is evolving faster than you can explain quantum computing to a child. Clearly, it will continue to disrupt the way modern society functions (See: Cryptocurrency but that's another conversation altogether).

But I'm not here to prove to you that tech is important because you probably already know that. Instead, I think the diversity of talent and minds is necessary for the industry to grow and thereby, for the world to progress. Here at Microsoft, we believe that diversity builds purposeful technology. So if you think Microsoft is only a place for STEM graduates, think again.

 Enter: Me, the Business Management undergraduate.

I was part of the Microsoft APAC Intern-to-MACH program in 2017. With zero background in STEM and two majors that seem completely unrelated to technology, many questioned why I even wanted to join the tech industry.

But my purpose from the start was clear: My previous internship spurred my interest in tech, but learning to apply collective creativity & empathy to engage audiences from the lenses of a tech company was a whole new ball game. I view communication to be a tremendously impactful skill in the world of tech, mainly because data has become the new oil and we need to distill it. I also knew that Microsoft, a tech giant with a mighty comeback story, was the perfect place for me to learn all about it given its fascinating history.

Three projects, lots of questions and many cups of coffee after, the Microsoft internship has taught me personal and professional growth like no other.

So here are three myths about internships that my time at Microsoft has successfully busted -

Myth 1: Knowing it all is what matters.

Many interns are often eager to score impressive performance metrics to nail the perfect internship grade (and a full-time job offer, of course). Whilst one of the goals that you should try to set for yourself is landing an impact (i.e. Building anything that could outlast the time after you leave), appreciate the fact that this is an opportunity presented to you to learn and grow. It's a fact that innovation doesn't happen from the regurgitation of what is already known. Instead, Microsoft's culture is premised around the growth mindset. We believe that a learn-it-all approach with setbacks and failures help us to grow as people and thus, our business.

The truth is that you need time to land an impact but that doesn't mean you should stop trying. Learning it all is about being able to use your voice to offer a unique perspective on a project but also being able to accept your limits. For me, it was also about taking initiatives to lead projects and learning to curb the obstacles along the way. So don't avoid the uncomfortable truths - Step up to it, embrace it, then solve it.

Co-led an initiative with my mentor, Alice Aik, and an amazing team.

Myth 2: Creativity is unwelcomed in tech.

Fact: Creativity is a pervasive skill especially in tech. Constant innovation is in our blood and therefore, we also constantly require unique solutions to problems. From working with partners to develop great solutions that meet customers' business ambitions, to using technology to reunite a lost boy and his father, Microsoft is truly a company that believes in empowering people to achieve more.

Creativity is lost when we are too set in our ways to change. Hence, the unique perspectives of young interns are extremely valued at Microsoft. So, understand the business, then apply your unique perspective at the right place and time. During my internship, I developed a unique method to glean key insights about SMBs, helping to expound on the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.

Myth 3: You'd need to solve this by yourself.

Collaborating with others has always been instinctive for me, so it was surprising when I struggled with this one. I've always been inclined to work alone - formally doing my research and forming opinions individualistically - then presenting it to others."

But as a company that is all about collaboration, being an intern means leaving your ego at the door and asking people around you the (right) questions. My team taught me all about the "kampung" (village) spirit - meaning that we never turn away when help is needed. Everyone took the time to guide me with the right questions - All of which were essential in shaping the small victories along the way!

Moving forward with the MACH program

I'll be returning to Microsoft as a MACH (Microsoft Academy for College Hire) in an exciting role that I'm looking forward to grow into. Microsoft's Intern-to-MACH program truly helped me to calibrate on my professional journey with the amazing support system it offers from day one.

Ultimately, you define your "what" (purpose), so don't be afraid to come as you are and do what you love!