Securing an internship with a tech giant like Microsoft might seem out of reach, but if you have the right skill set and a strong passion for technology, there are plenty of opportunities available.
This isn’t just any internship—Microsoft provides hands-on experience, the chance to work on real projects, build valuable connections, and immerse yourself in its innovative workplace culture.
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, read on to learn about Microsoft’s internship program and how you can maximize your chances of securing a role.
1. Understand the Essentials
Microsoft offers a wide range of internship opportunities for both high school and university students. These roles span different areas, including software development, project management, and marketing.
What makes Microsoft’s internship program stand out is the competitive salary, relocation benefits, and additional perks that come with it. However, to be eligible, you must be a full-time student pursuing a relevant degree or a PhD candidate, with plans to return to your studies after completing the internship.
2. Identify the Right Role
The first step is to explore Microsoft’s available internships and find one that aligns with your interests and abilities. Fortunately, their career portal makes this easy, listing detailed job descriptions for each role.
For High School Students:
Microsoft offers a paid 10-week internship program for students in western Washington, where participants can shadow full-time software engineers. Additionally, they provide a Minecraft programming and digital art camp, as well as a three-day summer internship focused on software engineering. These programs take place between June and August, and applicants must be at least 16 years old.
For University Students:
Microsoft’s university internships vary depending on location and educational level, but typically include opportunities in:
- Software engineering (program managers, technical writers, product planning, and more)
- Hardware engineering
- UX design
- Data science and analytics
- IT and operations
- Finance
- Marketing and sales
- Customer support and consulting
For PhD Candidates:
Students pursuing a PhD can also apply for research-focused internships, lasting around 12 weeks. These programs allow candidates to engage in cutting-edge research, either with Microsoft’s product teams or within Microsoft Research (MSR).
3. Perfect Your Resume
Your resume plays a crucial role in the application process—it’s your first impression. Tailoring your resume to the specific role you’re applying for is key, incorporating relevant keywords to showcase your skills and experience.
While Microsoft offers an online resume builder, submitting a personalized resume is recommended to make your application stand out.
4. Submit Your Application
To apply, you’ll need to submit your resume along with references from university professors or previous employers. Having an internal referral at Microsoft can give your application an edge, so networking is highly encouraged.
Attending university job fairs or connecting with Microsoft recruiters on LinkedIn can help you expand your professional network and increase your chances of securing an interview. Since internship postings are updated throughout the year, it’s important to regularly check Microsoft’s career portal for new opportunities.
5. Nail the Interview Process
The interview process varies based on the role and location, but generally follows these steps:
Initial Screening
If your application meets the criteria, you’ll be invited for a phone or virtual interview with a Microsoft recruiter. This 30-minute conversation focuses on your academic background, technical knowledge, prior work experience, and key skills.
Technical Interview
If you pass the initial screening, you’ll be invited to Microsoft’s headquarters for multiple rounds of interviews with hiring managers. These interviews typically involve problem-solving exercises, technical challenges, and discussions about your expertise.
Preparing a portfolio showcasing your previous projects and achievements can be beneficial. Additionally, coming up with insightful questions for your interviewers can demonstrate your enthusiasm and critical thinking skills.
6. Receiving an Offer
Once you’ve completed the interview rounds, you’ll need to wait for the final decision. Typically, Microsoft informs candidates within two weeks about their application status.
If you’re selected, you’ll be assigned a mentor who will guide you throughout the internship. Microsoft provides details regarding salary, accommodation, and your start date before you begin. Once onboarded, you’ll be treated as a valued team member, contributing to projects, attending meetings, and even presenting your own ideas.
