Get ready to hit the ground running! Firstly, congratulations if you have made it on to the MACH scheme. By no means is the application process an easy feat! So getting through the application process alone, I feel gives a real demonstration of determination and character (so pat on the back).
Firstly, check out the following website: http://careers.microsoft.com/careers/en/gb/home.aspx as it is an invaluable source of information (if you haven’t applied yet, what are you waiting for?!). What I found the most helpful were the videos from graduates and interns on what it is really like to work here and what some of the hiring managers would expect from the graduates they recruit.
The MACH program is a two year scheme. You kick off your first week at Microsoft with a week-long induction. During this, you have an opportunity to network with your colleagues and managers; learn more about the business and how your role impacts on your business division. And it’s fun!
Training is very hands on and whether you’re in the Sales, Marketing or Technical stream, training will be tailored to your role. The first year of the program focuses on giving you the foundations for your transition into Microsoft and the second year will focus on career development.
There are four key MACH training events:
• Winter School: takes place in a European location, marking the official kick off of the MACH program. You’ll have a chance to meet other international MACH hires and participate in professional and team skills training.
• MGC (MACH Global Conference) @ MGX: takes place in the U.S.A and gives you a global networking experience and exposure to senior executives within the company.
• Capstone: takes place in a European location and involves an end-to-end Microsoft business simulation and Year 2 kickoff.
• Keystone Workshop / Program Completion: takes place in a European location and consists of a career/feedback workshop.
The second year of the program looks to provide you with career development tools and resources, where you’ll complete a program of virtual learning modules. This will provide you with guidance on furthering your professional development and career at Microsoft.
The major benefits of being on the scheme are that there is so much to take on board and provided that you are willing and keen, there is so much you can take in. You’re valued and you’re not treated as a trainee. You’re respected in your role and the responsibilities that come with it. The opportunities to progress and develop are endless and I would encourage anyone to take advantage of this.
Rest assured, you’ll never have a boring day and you’ll have numerous opportunities to interact and work with some of the best in their field within a company as big and global as Microsoft. Trust me; the people here know what they’re talking about!
Dawn E.
Our induction week in Reading. Va va voooooom – Go Team 3!
Be Your Future 