Microsoft is a big business and can offer many different career routes to different people in different places. Here we’ve put together some of the more commonly asked questions and answered them as comprehensively as we can.
Microsoft Academy for University Hires
Q.What does MACH stand for?
A.
The MACH EMEA Programme for University Hires is also known as the Microsoft Academy for College Hires, or MACH. It is the name of our international programme, which recruits graduates from across the world into all regions within Microsoft.
Q.Which criteria should I fulfil to apply for a MACH EMEA Programme?
A.
You should be a graduate or postgraduate in the programme you are applying for, either Sales, Marketing or Technical studies, and have no more than 18 months’ professional experience in that field. You must be fluent in English plus another local language, and share our passion for technology. A strong enthusiasm for your chosen programme specialty, the ability to think strategically, and the drive to deliver results is also essential.
Q.Are there fixed starting dates for the MACH EMEA Programmes? When does the next recruitment process begin?
A.
Local recruitment has begun for the next intakes which begin in January 2009. Find out whether the country you wish to apply is recruiting for the MACH programme of your choice.
Q.What does EMEA stand for?
A.
EMEA is the abbreviation for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. When we first started in 1982, we had only three subsidiaries serving the region: the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. From those roots, our presence in EMEA has grown to include more than 60 subsidiaries, employing over 14,000 people. Find out more about Microsoft in EMEA.
Q.How long do the programmes last?
A.
The programmes last two years.
Q.What local subsidiaries will recruit graduates for the next programmes?
A.
Find out whether the country you wish to apply is recruiting for the MACH programme of your choice.
Q.What is the split between theoretical training and practical job experience?
A.
This programme includes an exciting mix of online and classroom training and practical experience. So you’ll have every chance to transfer the knowledge you gain back to your job in a local setting.
Q.What can I expect to gain from the work experience in the local subsidiary office?
A.
During your employment in the local subsidiary, you’ll gain professional knowledge and first-hand experience in areas such as project work, onsite client visits, licensing, presentation skills, and market solutions. You’ll be based in one subsidiary, but travel around internationally for your professional training.
Q.Which projects will I be involved in during employment at the subsidiary?
A.
Participants of the programmes are entrusted with various customer projects. You’ll work closely with colleagues in your local team and colleagues from other business units. Overall, you’ll become familiar with various job functions across our business.
Q.Will I have a mentor during the programme? What is the role of this mentor?
A.
For the duration of the programme, each graduate is accompanied by a dedicated mentor. Mentors are experienced Microsoft employees. Their role is to support your career development by advice and counselling. You’ll have regular scheduled meetings with your mentor, so that mutual feedback on the programme will be guaranteed. If necessary your mentor will help you to find solutions. In any case your mentor will do everything possible to ensure that the programme is a successful step towards your career with Microsoft.
Q.What makes it international programmes?
A.
Microsoft is an international company, building its success upon cultural diversity. The graduates chosen to complete the 2009 MACH programme will be recruited globally, not just from EMEA, and will reflect the region they represent. They will become a virtual team, sharing their personal and professional experiences throughout the year. In addition, the professional training sessions take place throughout Europe and the United States.
Q.What is the goal of the programmes?
A.
The programmes follow a well-managed schedule, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a career at Microsoft. The vast majority of graduates from our previous programmes have stayed at Microsoft after graduation and taken on a range of roles.
Q.What are the advantages of the programmes compared to training on the job?
A.
The programmes are the perfect transition between academic and professional life. It is an excellent chance to develop your professional career, balancing skills, knowledge and in-depth insights into the practical day-to-day activities at Microsoft.
Software Development Graduate Positions
Q.Which criteria should I fulfil to apply to the Software Development Positions?
A.
You should be in your final year of University, whether pursuing BS, MS or PhD, and be pursuing a Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related degree. You should have strong knowledge of programming fundamentals and have done projects in C, C++, C# or Java. You should have a passion for technology and a desire to create quality commercial software products.
Q.Are there fixed starting dates for the Software Development Positions? When does the next recruitment process begin?
A.
Local recruitment will begin in the Autumn of each school year. Your personal starting date will depend on when you complete your studies.
Q.Which Development Centres will recruit graduates for the next school year?
A.
Our Development Centres in the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Norway, Russia, France, Serbia, Denmark, Germany, Egypt and USA will be recruiting graduates.
Q.Which projects will I be involved in during employment at the Development Centre?
A.
Participants of the programme will immediately start work on real commercial software products within the first week. What technology product you work on will depend on your location of hire. You'll work closely with your manager advisor and colleagues on your local team and colleagues from other business units.
Q.What is the role of the mentor during my first year at Microsoft?
A.
When you join Microsoft, each graduate is accompanied by a dedicated mentor. Mentors are experienced Microsoft employees. Their role is to support your career development through advice and counselling. You'll have regular scheduled meetings with your mentor to answer questions and help you to find solutions. In any case your mentor will do everything possible to ensure that your first year is a successful step towards your career with Microsoft.
Q.Are there other Development Centres worldwide that recruit technical graduates for software development positions?
A.
Yes, we also have Development Centres in the USA
(http://www.microsoft.com/college/overseas.mspx), China
(http://www.microsoft.com/zh/cn/default.aspx) and India
(http://www.microsoft.com/india/careers/)
