How to Get an Internship at Microsoft?: The Comprehensive 2024 Guide

Are you looking to kickstart your career with one of the tech giants? Landing an internship at Microsoft can offer you invaluable experience, mentorship, and a chance to work in one of the most impactful companies in the tech industry. Microsoft is a multinational corporation that has been a key player in the industry since its inception in 1975. Its popular line of products includes Windows, Microsoft 365, and Edge. This blog navigates how to get an internship at Microsoft. We will explore existing and upcoming internship programs at Microsoft, their application processes, useful tips, and more to turn your dream of interning at Microsoft into a reality.

Microsoft University Internships: Overview

University internships offered by Microsoft aim to provide noteworthy opportunities to students. They help you acquire significant experience, become a part of a community, and pursue your interests. If you are an aspirant looking forward to collaborating with like-minded individuals and working on cutting-edge technologies, consider pursuing these internships. To know how to apply for Microsoft internships, review the information provided below carefully:

1. Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria to be considered for the Microsoft internship programs include:

• You should be enrolled in a full-time bachelor’s, master’s, or MBA program.
• You should be returning to college or university for at least a semester, quarter, or term after completing your internship. 

2. Application Process

If you are wondering how to get an internship at Microsoft India, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Visit the Microsoft India Development Center Website

On IDC, click the ‘Careers’ tab and select ‘Internships’ in the ‘Employment type’ dropdown from the filters provided. You can explore various internships offered for Indian students in different locations. Alternatively, visit Microsoft Careers and check out global internships. Since Microsoft supports a hybrid approach toward internships, you can find both virtual and in-person opportunities. 

When you finalize the opportunity you wish to apply for, click on the ‘Apply’ button. You will be prompted to create an account or profile to begin the application process. 

Step 2: Submit Resume, Cover Letter, and Recommendation Letter(s)

The next step in the application process is to submit a resume and cover letter. Keep in mind that your resume should be well-structured and should highlight relevant skills, academic achievements, and projects to demonstrate your suitability for the role. If you’re applying for a software development internship, you can add relevant certifications to your resume. 

Ensure that you customize your cover letter and express your interest in interning at Microsoft. Try to include all the relevant keywords from the internship description for your application to be processed quickly through the applicant tracking system. 

Microsoft has a unique way of accepting recommendations for your application. Once you have completed the application, you will find the option of adding recommenders in the ‘Action Center.’ You can specify the name and email of the individuals, and they will receive an automated email to upload their recommendation letters. Candidates will receive an email confirmation when their internship application is submitted.

Step 3: Wait for the Application Review 

Microsoft reviews internship applications, usually on a rolling basis until the program is filled. You may have to appear for a screening interview if the hiring manager wants to gain additional information before you are invited for the main interview round. 

Microsoft also provides an equitable interview process for candidates with disabilities. They can submit a request form to seek assistance. These may include a sign language interpreter, real-time transcriptionist, receiving content in an accessible format, etc.

Step 4: Prepare for the Interview Round

The interview round for the Microsoft internship will comprise technical and HR questions to assess your knowledge, skills, and personal traits. Depending on the role, you may be asked to write a code, share details of previous internship experience, etc. This way, the recruiting team at Microsoft will gauge your fit for the job position. 

Here are some strategies you can adopt to upgrade your interview preparation:

• Research Microsoft, its business, competition, etc., to provide more comprehensive answers to the interview questions.
• Understand your competencies and interests to prepare answers for common internship interview questions.
• Prepare answers that demonstrate the qualities and values Microsoft is looking for in their prospective interns. These attributes include a growth mindset, integrity towards work and peers, adapting well to situations, and a customer-centric approach.

3. Duration of Internship

The duration of an internship at Microsoft can range from a few months to two years, based on the role you have applied for. For example, the MBA B-School MCAPS internship is an 8 to 10-week-long program.

4. Intern Roles and Salary

Microsoft offers internship programs for several roles across different fields. The following are the popular intern roles and offered salaries for Indian students:

1. Software Engineering Intern: In this role, you will build innovative software solutions by applying engineering principles. Some of the responsibilities in this role include learning new engineering methods, seeking feedback, following industry best practices, and collaborating with team members for the timely completion of projects. 
   You should have at least one year of programming experience in an object-oriented language, knowledge of data structures and algorithms, proficiency in computer science fundamentals, etc., to apply for this role. The software engineering interns at Microsoft receive a pay of ₹5.6 LPA on average. 
2. MBA B-School MCAPS Intern: This is an opportunity for students enrolled in a 2-year MBA program and currently studying in their 1st year. You will get to work on real projects during the internship, leveraging cutting-edge technology and showcasing your skills. This program will also provide mentorship, webinars, and networking opportunities with current Microsoft employees, expanding the scope of your career. 
   Microsoft interns are paid ₹7 LPA on average, depending on their role. You can get specific compensation details when Microsoft begins the MBA B-School MCAPS application process.

Microsoft PhD Internships: Overview

Students currently enrolled in a PhD program can pursue internships in product teams and Microsoft Research (MSR). The opportunities aim to provide individuals with a meaningful work experience in innovative projects. Let’s dive deeper to learn how to become an intern at Microsoft if you are a PhD student:

1. Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for PhD internships vary depending on the domain, department, and location. The following qualifications are required to apply for these internships:

• For Microsoft Research: You should have a Bachelor’s (BE/BTech/BS) or Master’s degree (ME/MTech/MS) in Computer Science (or related areas). Also, a good academic record, passion for research and software development, and technical skills are essential to be considered for the opportunity.
• For Product Team Internships: You must be enrolled in a PhD program with hands-on experience in applied research and engineering. 

2. Application Process

If you are wondering how to apply for an internship at Microsoft, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Visit the Microsoft Research Lab – India website.
• Step 2: Scroll down and click on ‘Career Opportunities’ to explore internship roles being offered currently.
• Step 3: Click on the Internship post and browse the details like qualifications, responsibilities, application requirements, etc. 
• Step 4: Click on the ‘Apply’ button at the bottom. You will be prompted to sign in through your Microsoft, Google, Facebook, or LinkedIn accounts. Register yourself by providing the necessary information. 
• Step 5: Add your resume, cover letter, and details of individuals providing you with recommendation letters. 
• Step 6: Submit your application. You will receive an email confirmation once you finally submit your application. 

3. Duration of Internship

The duration of the PhD internships is for a minimum of 12 weeks. Some internships, like the research fellow program, are for one to two years. While the internships are offered year-round, they usually begin in the summer. So, look out for summer internships from August to December and fall internships from March to June. 

4. Intern Roles and Salary

As a PhD student, you have the opportunity to work in the following roles at Microsoft: 

• Research Fellow: In this role, you will work with the M365 Research group in Microsoft Research Lab – India to gain experience in computer science, technology, and engineering domains. Research fellows at Microsoft are required to undertake responsibilities like researching large-scale networks and software systems, solving theoretical issues, analyzing the impact of artificial intelligence on software engineering, etc. 
  The average salary for a research fellow at Microsoft is ₹17 LPA. Additionally, you are eligible for employee benefits like healthcare, educational resources, discounts on products and services, maternity and paternity leaves, work-from-home days, etc.
• Product Team Interns: These are research and engineering-centric PhD interns, such as production software engineers, applied scientists, engineers specializing in artificial intelligence or machine learning, data scientists, etc. This is a global internship role where you will work at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, WA, or Sunnyvale, CA. This is a paid internship position, and the compensation may range from $81K to $149K per annum. 

Tips to Secure an Internship in Microsoft

Interning at Microsoft is a prestigious opportunity that can be a valuable learning experience and a remarkable credential for your resume. Additionally, first-hand experience in one of India’s leading tech companies could open doors to future career prospects and professional growth. 

Here are some useful tips you can follow to get an internship at Microsoft India:

1. Expand Your Network: Networking is essential to improve your chances of selection for Microsoft Internships. Several campus placements, industry events, and job fairs feature Microsoft. Use these events to expand your network and connect with Microsoft representatives, employees, and recruiters. You can also leverage professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to connect with these industry experts. 
2. Leverage Social Media Platforms: Create social media profiles that reflect your educational background, skills, experiences, and career interests for the recruiters from Microsoft to discover you. By engaging with content from Microsoft on various platforms, you can showcase your enthusiasm about working for the company and stay informed about the latest innovations and opportunities.
3. Be Professional: Ensure that your attire, body language, tone of voice, and communication skills demonstrate a professional attitude throughout the recruitment process. 
4. Utilize Employee Referrals: Employee referrals are beneficial, especially when you want to work at an organization like Microsoft. If you have an acquaintance working at the organization, request a referral. This can make your application stand apart from the competition and enhance your chance of securing an interview. 

How to Secure a Return Offer?

A return offer is a full-time job offer provided to an individual who has interned at a company and wants to join back after they graduate from college or university. It is offered to interns who are considered a good cultural fit and have the potential to transition to full-time employees. If you are seeking a return offer post-internship, follow the tips given below:

• Microsoft values individuals who take initiative and are team players. You can showcase these abilities by actively participating in discussions, seeking feedback, volunteering for projects, and offering to help colleagues.
• Your mentor’s recommendation plays a crucial role in deciding the return offer. Therefore, build a trusting relationship with your mentor and engage in open and meaningful discussions to leave a good impression.
• Take notes during the internship and provide a comprehensive report after the completion of the program. Learn how to prepare an internship report to reflect your growth as a professional.

Conclusion

When exploring how to get an internship at Microsoft, prepare a strategy that helps you highlight your strengths and suitability. You can leverage the insights and essential information outlined in this guide to create a compelling job application for internship programs at Microsoft. Remember that perseverance and preparation are key to enhancing your chances of selection. Also, check out how to get an internship with no experience if you are a fresh graduate seeking opportunities to begin your professional career. 

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