Power Platform Sales Specialist Intern Review

During my placement year at Microsoft UK as a Power Platfomr Sales Specialist Intern, I supported digital transformation projects across public sector and financial services clients. My day-to-day responsibilities involved analysing business needs, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and helping develop solutions using Microsoft’s Power Platform to drive efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. I contributed to customer presentations and business cases, identifying automation opportunities that supported multi-million-pound pipeline growth.
I also led and facilitated partner-led hackathons, creating post-event frameworks to track innovation and improve collaboration across teams. Beyond project delivery, I worked closely with sales, marketing, and technical stakeholders to align digital strategies with ESG priorities, ensuring technology adoption created measurable business and societal value. The role required adaptability, analytical thinking, and a consultative approach - giving me hands-on experience in product innovation, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven decision-making in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.

Yes, I was given a significant level of responsibility from early on in my placement at Microsoft. I was trusted to lead key parts of digital transformation projects, including coordinating with clients, partners, and internal teams to deliver outcomes that aligned with business goals. For example, I helped plan and facilitate a three-day innovation hackathon with the Ministry of Justice, where I introduced a new post-event business value framework that was later adopted across other Microsoft teams and partners.
This experience allowed me to take initiative, manage stakeholder expectations, and contribute to meaningful client impact - skills that strengthened my confidence, leadership, and accountability in a professional setting.

Absolutely - my placement at Microsoft enabled me to both develop new skills and strengthen existing ones. I enhanced my consultative and analytical skills by supporting digital transformation projects, translating client challenges into data-driven solutions using the Microsoft Power Platform. I also developed my project management and stakeholder communication skills through coordinating hackathons and cross-functional collaboration between technical and business teams.
Additionally, I improved my strategic thinking and understanding of AI governance and sustainability, learning how technology can drive responsible innovation. The experience helped me grow in leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving, preparing me to deliver real impact in future technology-driven roles.

I received strong support and guidance throughout my placement at Microsoft. I had regular check-ins with my manager twice a week, which provided space to review progress, set goals, and reflect on development opportunities. I was also assigned a buddy who had recently completed Microsoft’s Aspire Graduate Programme, and she offered invaluable advice on how to stand out as an intern, build confidence, and navigate the organisation effectively.
Beyond my immediate team, I proactively networked with senior employees across cross-functional areas, who welcomed me to shadow their work and explore different technologies and industries. This combination of structured support and open collaboration created a really empowering learning environment where I could continuously grow and take ownership of my development.

The company culture at Microsoft was incredibly diverse, inclusive, and uplifting. There was a strong sense of community, with numerous Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that allowed everyone to connect around shared interests, identities, and causes. The atmosphere was friendly, supportive, and collaborative, with colleagues always willing to share advice, resources, and opportunities across the wider organisation.
I particularly valued how open people were to networking and mentoring - even senior leaders took time to offer guidance and insights. It truly felt like a culture built on growth, empowerment, and belonging, where every voice was encouraged and everyone was supported to succeed.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement at Microsoft—it went well beyond my expectations. I never anticipated being able to contribute so meaningfully to real business outcomes, including supporting over £1M in pipeline generation and collaborating with highly esteemed clients across the public and financial sectors.
One of the most rewarding aspects was the opportunity to present confidently to C-suite stakeholders and technical audiences, which helped me grow both professionally and personally. The experience was exciting, fast-paced, and deeply fulfilling. It gave me a genuine sense of impact and reaffirmed my passion for working at the intersection of technology, innovation, and business strategy.

Yes