It seems like there’s a bit of confusion from all the students messaging me on LinkedIn these days. In this blog post, I will clarify some of the differences between various Microsoft programs aimed at students and new grads. All current job postings can be found on the Microsoft Career Site: Students and Graduates.

🎉 Aspire

This 2-year experience is for new grads from all disciplines who join Microsoft after completing their undergraduate or MBA degrees. Applications come out during the summer and successful candidates will start working as full-time employees the following year.

Fun Fact: This was the program that I was a part of and my top tips for applying can be found here.

Details:

• Microsoft Aspire Experience | Microsoft Careers
• Aspire NextPlay | Microsoft Careers
• Aspire Program (microsoft.com)

🌱 ACE (Accelerated Connections & Experiences)

This 2-year rotational program is for marketing students in their junior or senior year of university. Applications come out during the fall and successful candidates will start working as interns the following year, with the opportunity to convert to full-time roles upon graduation.

Details: ACE Program | Microsoft Careers

💡 University Internship

These 4-8 month internships take place throughout the year and are open to students from all disciplines pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA, and PhD programs who will be returning to school. Applications usually come out 3-4 months before the internship start date.

In the U.S., all internships are 4 months long and applications open up during the summer and successful candidates will start their internships in the following summer.

Details: University internship | Microsoft Careers

🧠 Explore

This 12-week summer internship program is for students in their 1st and 2nd year who are interested in software engineering. Explore interns will get exposure to both program management and software engineering disciplines.

Details: Explore Microsoft | Microsoft Careers

🌏 Discovery

This 4-week project-based learning program takes place in the summer and is for high school graduates who are about to enter their first year of university. It is a new program so please check the careers site for details and information.

Details: High School Program | Microsoft Careers

Fun Fact: This blog’s hero photo was taken from when I presented to the Discovery Interns!

Tomorrow always begins with a chance to create new opportunities.

satya nadella, ceo of microsoft

Hopefully, this blog helped clarify the many different programs for you curious and ambitious students! Best of luck and hope to see you at Microsoft someday 🙌

Karen’s personal philosophy is growing 1% everyday through finding inspiration to share with the world. Her career blog has reached thousands of curious and ambitious readers and she has presented to over a thousand executives and employees at worldwide Microsoft events. Check out more resources on LinkedIn and subscribe for monthly career advice!