// Resources
Microsoft Explore
My process tips for you :) Tips for you before applications are due!
// What is Microsoft Explore?
In the video, I introduce Explore as a program for early-career students to try both product management and software engineering. The interns I spoke with were drawn to a program geared toward freshmen and sophomores, where they could experience both roles.
12 weeks
Summer internship
3 interns
One pod working on a project
2 areas
Product management + SWE
Program structure described in the video.
Program overview · 0:00// From a plan to a working project
Your pod works together to design, build, and deploy an intern project. In the video’s overview, the summer is split into two parts:
01 · First half
Plan and design
Write design documents and have the overall plan reviewed by full-time PMs at Microsoft.
02 · Second half
Build and implement
Code the blueprint your pod planned during the first half.
The balance can depend on the team and project. One former intern described a project that was mostly development, with questions up front to better understand the problem.
SWE, PM, and differences between projects · 4:08// Try to get a referral
Referrals matter a little more than normal internships. Especially a referral from Explore!
// Focus on behavioral
Work on your behavioral questions and answers. Microsoft weighs more behavioral than technical:
- 01.STAR Method
- 02.Projects and/or Stories ready
- 03.Microsoft’s CORE values (ex: growth mindset, etc.)
- 04.Your ability to answer the “Why Microsoft?” question.
“Because I want money” & “Because I want to work in Big Tech” are a big NO NO!!
View on InstagramOne intern’s interview advice: prepare to talk about the challenges you faced, as well as the things that went well.
Advice for applicants · 6:55// Background knowledge
Get ahead with prior knowledge about the Explore Program before applying.
In Explore, you are exploring both SWE & PM. Mentioning you are interested in both shows you did your research and a great fit!
// What the interns learned
Ask questions
One intern’s mentors and manager encouraged them to ask for help and set up chats. Being new was a reason to ask, not a reason to stay quiet.
Build with other people
An intern who had mostly worked on individual projects described learning how to collaborate on code. Another talked about writing a design document and a development spec for the first time.
Get to know the team
Returning interns pointed to supportive teammates, helpful developers, and feeling included in the team as reasons they wanted to come back.
// Check out my video!!
My “What is Microsoft Explore?” from when I interned for Microsoft.
I interviewed the current year/past Explore Interns. Hear about their experiences and insights!