MACH-ing a unique internship for the digital generation

• TechFemme is an example of how Microsoft creates a customised learning experience for its interns
• The Intern to MACH Program and application process is tailored to the digital generation

 

MICROSOFT Malaysia’s (Microsoft’s) Intern to MACH (Microsoft Academy of College Hires) organised its third annual TechFemme event, to celebrate gender diversity in technology and inspire more  young women to pursue a career in IT.

The Malaysia version of the APAC-wide event saw speakers such as Microsoft Malaysia HR director Rowena Florece; Microsoft Malaysia and Emerging Markets director of corporate, external & legal affairs Jasmine Begum; Maxis Bhd head of marketing services Sulin Lau; HP Malaysia MD Kym Lim and Dah Makan co-founder Jessica Li, co-founder of Dah Makan, speaking to a crowd of about 150 university students.  

Organising TechFemme is an example of how Microsoft creates a customised learning experience for its interns through its Intern to MACH programme.

During a 12-week long comprehensive module, these undergraduates will receive an in-depth induction, on-the-job and professional skills training and supportive mentoring from Microsoft.

This internship module falls under the aegis of the global MACH programme, which allows interns an opportunity to gain work experience and develop skills in the disciplines of marketing, technical and sales fields in the technology industry. Following their graduation, these interns will then have the opportunity to become MACH hires – therefore, becoming full-time employees within Microsoft Malaysia.

On the internship program, Rowena Florece said, “Microsoft is an organisation that provides every one of its employees, customers, and people whose lives we touch achieve more – being able to positively impact others is really what inspires us in our work every day. This internship programme is one example as it sets the foundation for the youth to always find meaning in their work – to regard work as a place for innovation, personal growth and an opportunity to positively impact others. Working on business projects allows our interns to get a handle on real-world scenarios, while in turn allowing us to identify the best talent, and build a strong pipeline for future hiring for Microsoft.”

Applying for Microsoft’s Intern to MACH programme
The Intern to MACH Program and application process is tailored to the digital generation.  Applicants apply online and submit either a written or a video profile of themselves for screening, which is submitted to the APAC University Recruitment team who vets through tsubmissions before the top 30 to 50 are brought in to Microsoft for a full day assessment.

During this assessment day, they are then given a case study to work on, and broken into groups to devise solutions which cover three disciplines – marketing, technical and sales.  This group work allows them to demonstrate skills such as collaboration, confidence, inclusion and an opportunity to lead a team.

Once the case study presentations are made, six to eight finalists are chosen and given a position as an Intern to MACH in Microsoft, undertaking the 12-week long program to work on an entirely new set of business projects. At the end of their internship, these individuals will present their business projects with Microsoft’s Senior Leadership Team. 

Besides having access to all global Microsoft resources, the programme also brings together interns from all across South-East Asia to share their experiences, network and brainstorm on their projects during a Summit on their first month.
 
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