Apprentice Category Manager Review

by Microsoft

Rating

8.4/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

My role at Microsoft is an apprentice category manager working in CCG for Windows. My day to day is never really the same due to having different tasks to get on with. One day I may be helping out with events, the next I will be doing analysis of the PC market.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I've learnt some new IT skills which I would never have used unless I started my role here at Microsoft. One skill which I've been able to work on a develop is my presentation and demo skills.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I really enjoy my day to day and I have meet some amazing people who have become good friends over my short time here. However, I would like some more involving work and training from QA.

8/10

4. How valued do you feel by Microsoft?

I feel as though us young people have a good oppurtunity to influence how things are done due to us being their target audience. This means that our thoughts matter and are influencial.

8/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

For me the program is all very self-sufficient, what I mean by this is that I have to be productive and seek out work and complete the QA courses. I manage my own time and what work I do in it.

8/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

From my training porvider I recieve a little support but not a great deal. This is because we only meet up once a month and it's hard for them to know what it is like in your day-day role.

8/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

From my employer I get support in the scence of one to ones with my manager. This takes place every week and I am able to bring up any concerns I have with the work I am doing or anything else that may be bothering me.

9/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

Since I live local to Reading I do not have to travel far for work. I drive from home and it takes me about 15-25 minutes to get to work. I also still live at home so my only recurring expences really are my car and my phone.

9/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

I'm not really too sure what this question is asking. But outside of work there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and socialise through things such as parties, team outings and sport clubs.

8/10

9. Would you recommend Microsoft to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

This apprenticeship is really what you make of it. If you do great work then it will be noticed and will have a massive impact on how far you can go in your career here.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Microsoft?

My top tip for someone applying to Microsoft is to not worry so much about the video interview. Mine, I thought, was aboslute trash, but I was able to get through to the assessment centre and secure myself a role.