What It Does: Microsoft specialises in the design and creation of computer hardware, computer accessories such as input and output accessories, personal computers, and consumer electronics such as video games. The company also specialises in software development and cloud computing. Microsoft hosts its social networking service (LinkedIn), cloud storage service (OneDrive), search engine (Bing), internet browser (Explorer) and an email messaging application. Finally, the company designs and creates its operating system, Windows.
Mission: Microsoft’s mission is to motivate every person or organisation in the world to achieve more.
Size and Presence: This company employs more than 3,000 workers across five offices in the UK.
Best Known For: Windows, an operating system, is the most widely used operating system in PCs all over the world. In 2018, Microsoft was regarded as the most valuable organisation in the world. Microsoft is one of the biggest IT organisations globally; it's in the same elite circle as Amazon, Apple, and Alphabet.
The Good Bits: Employment at Microsoft comes with a signing bonus. The company offers juicy employment benefits to its workers. The pay is good. The job comes with several learning opportunities.
The Not-So-Good Bits: Microsoft has one of the hardest interview processes in the world.
The origins of what can be rightly regarded as one of the greatest companies in the world date back to 1975 when Bill Gates and Paul Allen established Microsoft. Gates became the first executive head of the company. In 1977, the company had a deal with ASCII Magazine, a Japanese media company, to have the company's first international office - ASCII Microsoft. Four years after its inception, Microsoft established its headquarters in Bellevue, Washington. Microsoft gained ground and stature within a short time and became known as a top producer of high-quality personal computers.
In 1983, Microsoft started its international expansion and designed and launched Microsoft Mouse. That same year, the company launched Microsoft Press, its publishing division. Later that year, Paul Allen called it quits with the company after he got diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease. In 1985, Microsoft designed and introduced Windows OS, possibly its greatest invention. This operating system has received massive acceptance worldwide. The company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange the following year. That same year, the company relocated to Redmond, Washington. Microsoft came to the UK in 1985.
Microsoft espouses the growth mindset, which makes it a believer in the potential and development of its employees. The company is people-centric and makes it a mission to ensure that its employees are seen and heard and that their contributions are valued and considered. The company fosters an inclusive culture by embracing the diversity of its employees. At Microsoft, there’s a mix of individuals with differences in cultures, races, religions, social statuses, genders, and sexual orientations. The company has a relaxed appearance policy, and workers can wear semi-formal outfits from Mondays to Thursdays while they wear casual outfits on Fridays. The healthy atmosphere is good for new intakes, such as fresh graduates and interns.
Microsoft offers three career programs for its interns and fresh graduates. Its apprenticeship program allows individuals to start their careers early and gain work experience while having access to full training. The University Internship program is targeted at fresh graduates and postgraduates as well. This program allows them to unleash their creativity while working on state-of-the-art technology. The company also has an internship program strictly for PhD students. Asides from these programs, freshers and interns can receive mentorship from their more experienced colleagues and learn on the job.
There’s no specific format, but the hiring process could include the following:
A fresher working at Microsoft earns an average annual salary of £35,000.
Microsoft is in active opposition to illegal wildlife trafficking. The company supports environmental sustainability - preserving water and reducing carbon emissions and waste.
Microsoft caused concerns in the UK with their takeover of Activision Blizzard.