My Year In Industry at Microsoft
Amrit Sarai
Studying Computer Science BSc(Hons)
Amrit wrote this blog about her time at Microsoft just after finishing her placement. She has now gone on to her final year in Computer Science BSc(Hons). "As I am about to embark on my final year at University, I thought now would be the perfect opportunity to reflect on my amazing journey at Microsoft".
Searching for placement and getting started
Taking a year out of study to complete a year in industry was a no-brainer to me. I wanted to get a taste of the real working world and explore what I could do after I graduated. So, when my 2nd year started the search for a placement began!
The School of Computing and Engineering’s dedicated Placement Unit team was extremely helpful. We had weekly lectures on how to write CVs and Cover letters at the beginning of the year. We also got support with the interview process.
Searching for a placement wasn’t easy, I went through a lot of rejections from both big and small companies. It got disheartening at times as I was seeing my friends and course mates securing theirs. Though I was happy for them, it made me question whether there was something wrong with me. But, from each rejection I took it as a lesson on what I could do better for the next internship, I applied to and it led me to get my dream placement at Microsoft!
After I found out that I’d secured my internship I was very excited, but also nervous at the same time. Working for a global technology company was a huge opportunity and dream come true, and I didn’t want to mess it up. I was also moving away from home for the first time, I was worried I wouldn’t make any friends and be able to adjust to living somewhere new.
Once I started, my nerves and anxiety quickly disappeared, and I realised that feeling this way is completely normal. I was fortunate as I had a great support network. My team never made me feel like I was an “intern” and treated me equally. I was never expected to know everything and was encouraged to ask questions from the very start. The learn-it-all culture Microsoft had made me feel comfortable very quickly. Microsoft also has a large Early in Career community so there were people who were in the same boat as me, which made it easier to make friends as I could socialise with them outside of work.
Amrit with her fellow placement students at MicrosoftMy typical work week
Every day was different, and I even had the flexibility of shaping my role myself. As part of my core role, I focused on Mixed Reality. I would talk to customers about the business value of Mixed Reality and showcase HoloLens*. On other days I would help organise and run Microsoft’s DigiGirlz** events. I also used the time for my own personal learning and development.
*HoloLens – Microsoft’s mixed reality headset which is a fully untethered Windows PC. The device blends both the physical and digital world together. You remain present in the physical world whilst also interreacting with 3D holograms.
**DigiGirlz – An initiative which gives young girls the opportunity to learn about careers in technology.
Amrit with her fellow placement students 'Team DigiGirlz'
How COVID-19 impacted my placement
I worked for a team which required us to be in the office so when talks of a lockdown first started, I was worried that my placement would finish early. But the team and I adapted, and I actually ended up becoming busier than ever. I believe it was the last few months were I actually learnt and grew the most.
A personal highlight for me during this time was the opportunity to work with the VentilatorChallengeUK consortium. This was formed to meet the increase in demand for ventilators to help with the increase in COVID-19 cases. HoloLens was used as a tool by front-line workers to skill up on how to produce Ventilators. I supported by helping with the technical setup, troubleshooting and skilled up people on how to use the devices. It was humbling to be a part of a project where I could make a small difference during challenging times.
Getting involved with the Ventilator Challenge Uk ConsortiumWhat I got out of my placement year?
I have grown so much since I have started Microsoft. When I began, I was very shy and had trouble seeing why I had got a placement at Microsoft in the first place. Over time, thanks to the amazing people around me I grew in confidence and started to become more proactive. I slowly became aware of what my strengths are (again because of my amazing mentors) and started to take advantage of them.
Over the year I developed both my soft and technical skills. I got the opportunity to be hands-on with innovative technologies such as HoloLens 2 on a daily basis, and it opened my eyes to an area in technology that I would have never considered whilst being at University. I’m now looking into researching this area even further for my final year project! On the soft skills side, I learnt what it is like to work in a professional setting. I had so many opportunities which ranged from leading projects and team meetings to presenting to large audiences.
Advice I would give myself if I did the placement again
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes as long as you learn from them.
- Don’t overthink every tiny mistake you’ve made.
- Ask questions when you don’t understand something. People will appreciate that more.
My final advice
My advice to students who are currently considering doing a placement is to go for it. A placement better prepares you for the working world and it has put in me a better position for when I graduate.
Amrit studies on the final year of Computer Science BSc(Hons) to find out more about this course click the link.
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