Research Intern - Leaders, Employees, and Connection in Enterprise Social Media (Start ASAP)

About Microsoft

Microsoft enables digital transformation in the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Microsoft has come a long way and is now a big American multinational technology corporation. It was founded to develop and sell BASIC interpreters for the Altair 8800 but now dominates the personal computer operating system market and has other products and services as well. 

Your Role

Interns put inquiry and theory into practice. Alongside fellow doctoral candidates and some of the world’s best researchers, interns learn, collaborate, and network for life. Interns not only advance their own careers but also contribute to exciting research and development strides. During the 12-week internship, students are paired with mentors and expected to collaborate with other interns and researchers, present findings, and contribute to the vibrant life of the community. Research internships are available in all areas of research, and are offered year-round, though they typically begin in the summer.

Interns are also expected to give short presentations on their projects, attend the weekly lab colloquia, and contribute to the life of the community through weekly lunches with fellow Ph.D. interns and the broader lab. Interns will have cross-discipline collaboration opportunities within the Viva + Yammer and Glint product teams and present research findings as they relate to the product while gaining exposure to conducting research within a product development lifecycle. There are also natural opportunities for collaboration with others currently working at MSRNE, including computer scientists, economists, and mathematicians.

Training, Development & Rotations

The mission of Microsoft is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Microsoft expects that no matter what your level, role, or function is—to play an active role in creating environments where people of a diverse range of backgrounds are excited to bring all of who they are and do their best work. e believe potential can be nurtured and is not pre-determined, and should always be learning and curious - trying new things without fear of failure. Microsoft identified four attributes that allow a growth mindset to flourish. Obsessing about what matters to their customers, becoming more diverse and inclusive in everything, operating as one company instead of multiple siloed businesses, and lastly, making a difference in the lives of each other, their customers, and the world around us.

Career Progression

Candidates can explore countless job opportunities across a wealth of disciplines and locations. The company offers many scholarship programs, internships, and full-time jobs. The promotions depend on the efficiency of the candidate at the workplace. Microsoft’s strength lies in the talented people and culture grounded in the growth mindset. This means anyone can change, learn, and grow. Microsoft believes that potential can be nurtured and is not pre-determined, and should always be learning and curious - trying new things without fear of failure. Microsoft identified four attributes that allow a growth mindset to flourish. Obsessing over what matters to the customers, becoming more diverse and inclusive in everything it does, and operating as one company instead of multiple siloed businesses.

Salary & Benefits

Microsoft certain roles are eligible for additional rewards, including annual bonuses and stock. These awards are allocated based on individual performance. In addition, certain roles can earn sales incentives based on revenue or utilization, depending on the terms of the plan and the employee’s role. The salary for this role ranges from approximately $73,000 to $114,000. US-based employees gain access to healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, and fitness benefits.

Career Progression

Microsoft supports its employee growth with hundreds of online and in-person technical, management, and professional development classes. Microsoft strives to ensure its employees can grow in their career knowledge. From financial education and tuition assistance to specific program training, the employees have opportunities to expand their knowledge on a variety of topics, stay current in their field, and continue to learn as their career progresses. Employees make the most of their experience by creating their community. Through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and social and networking groups, Microsoft is committed to helping you find opportunities to foster personal connections across global teams, participate in local engagements, and take part in global sustainability. 

Work-Life Balance

Microsoft offers flexible work schedules, generous vacations, and holidays to spend with family or pursue your interests outside of work. Microsoft is committed to giving employees support and time away to focus on the people who matter most in their life. The company also encourages its workforce to contribute to the social cause. Furthermore, Microsoft is considered one of the most environmentally friendly companies as it has reduced its product packaging by 20%. It is working to reach carbon neutrality and create a better place for people.

Culture & Vibe

Microsoft unequivocally supports the fundamental rights of people, from defending democracy to addressing systemic racial injustice and inequity, to protecting human rights. The management at Microsoft is keen to train employees about giving their best including time and skills to address the issues faced by the world. Regardless of the size of the company, employees are acknowledged for their commendable jobs and achievements. In 2021, Microsoft was awarded the Best Places to Work in Seattle, Best Company Outlook, and Best Global Culture. The institutions that support democracy are increasingly under attack. Microsoft is looking at how the technology and resources can help protect democratic processes and institutions, and preserve the high-quality, fact-based, independent journalism they depend on.

About You

In addition to the qualifications below, you’ll need to submit a minimum of two reference letters for this position. After you submit your application, a request for letters may be sent to your list of references on your behalf. Note that reference letters cannot be requested until after you have submitted your application, and furthermore, that they might not be automatically requested for all candidates. You may wish to alert your letter writers in advance, so they will be ready to submit your letter.

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program and have completed Ph.D. coursework by the time they start their internship (approximately May 2022).

Interns are expected to be physically located in their manager’s Microsoft worksite location for the duration of their internship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Qualitative methodological, analytical, and theoretical foundation.
• Applicants from historically marginalized communities, underrepresented in higher education, and students from universities outside of the United States are encouraged to apply.
• Expertise in organizations, leadership, and/or social media is particularly welcomed.
• Training in quantitative methodology for survey implementation is preferred. 

Your application needs to include:

• A short description (no more than 1 page, single-spaced) of your training and experience in using methods such as ethnography, interviewing, participant observation, and/or surveys to study online interaction.
• A short description (no more than 1 page, single-spaced) of your training and experience in studying topics related to work, leadership, and/or social media.
• A brief description of your dissertation project (no more than 1 page, single-spaced). Feel free to attach a separate citations page–we will not include that in the page count.
• An academic article-length manuscript (~7,000 or more) that you have written (published or unpublished) that demonstrates your writing skills. Microsoft won’t count citations in this word count.
• A copy of your CV.
• If available, pointers to your website or other online presence (this is not required).
• In addition to the qualifications, you’ll need to submit the names and email contact information for three potential academic letters of reference (one contact must be your dissertation advisor). Note that candidates should tell their recommenders that despite the auto-request for a letter of recommendation, they do not need to submit letters unless they are contacted and asked to do so by a member of the search committee, after the initial review of applications. If you have any questions about or problems with the application process, please contact [email protected] and include “2023 Sociotechnical Ph.D. Internship” in the subject line
• Microsoft will count your application as ON TIME, as long as we have your materials, minus the letters of recommendation.

How to Apply

• To start your application for this position, simply click the “Apply” button on this page.
• The selection process at Microsoft Corporation starts with an online coding test consisting of two questions and the candidates get 60 minutes to answer them.
• There are 3 technical rounds including an online coding test consisting of 2 questions, a written round with 1 question, and a total having 3 questions.
• Followed by an offer and negotiation, if the candidate is successful.

Source

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• glassdoor.com/microsoft - salaries
• microsoft.com
• youtube.com
• google.com