BeYourFuture... 6 Months down the line.

Something I've been working hard to improve on recently, is sharing more of what I get up to. It's very easy to embed yourself in your day-to-day, and not take a moment to step back and reflect on one's achievements.

So on this Saturday afternoon, amidst a number of cups of tea, a slight hangover and in my finest pair of joggers... I've been trying to get my head around the fact that the last 6 months of my life, have indeed been a reality. I've actually had the chance to be a part of one of the most exciting, and influential companies on the planet right now, and actually contribute on a daily basis.

Along side my role working on Xbox and Microsoft band, as Interns we have what's known as 'stretch projects' or internally referred to as '101 Teams'. These teams are designed to be the chance to fill the "other 30%" of my time working with different departments and aiming for different goals within Microsoft. As a result, since August 2015 I've been privileged to lead a team of 10 other interns in managing and developing the BeYourFuture Blog page, and our Facebook and Twitter channels.

The Blog team is refreshed at the end of each fiscal year, with a new incoming set of bright-eyed interns looking to make their own form of impact. Thus, in August of last year, it was our chance to step into the limelight, and my first real chance to lead a team with real business impact.

I'm bold enough, and proud enough to say. We're absolutely nailing it.

The function of the blog, primarily is as a tool to increase awareness, and drive applications to the Microsoft UK Apprentice, Intern and Graduate programmes. However, as a team this year we established early on that to achieve this we needed to look to provide an all-encompassing view of the experience of being part of the Apprentice, Intern and Graduate programmes here. To share our experiences of the open, welcoming and intoxicatingly inspiring environment in which we find ourselves in. In a world where social-sharing is king, and in such a fast-paced and innovative industry as Tech, we knew we needed to leverage the wider internal community at Microsoft to bring examples of the amazing opportunities which our roles provide us with.

On the blog you'll find everything from Role Profiles submitted by Interns, Grads and Apprentices, to in-depth recaps and reviews from the vast number of campaigns/events/opportunities occurring on a daily basis here at Microsoft. Not only that, but this year we have looked to provide an even broader view of the collaborative culture of Microsoft, by introducing insights from Interns, Graduates and Apprentices from all over EMEA.

Since the team formed, just 6 months ago:

• We've built a brand-new site, we've increased our monthly average views on the site by 97% compared with the last FY.
• We've extended our network, leveraging support from global Microsoft Social channels and we've more than doubled the highest reaching social posts from the out-going team, whilst gathering a growing following.
• Every week, we provide compelling and informative content to our readers, sharing the stories of the wider intern community and providing assistance and tips for individuals looking to apply to the Intern, Graduate and Apprentice schemes.
• We've connected with, and will be promoting content from Interns, Graduates and Apprentices from over 12 other countries in EMEA alone.
• With no budget we've promoted and ran brand new internal competitions, promoting internal awareness and evangelism for Microsoft's fantastic array of Devices.
• Had our Facebook page shortlisted for an external industry award at the Time Top 100 Grad Recruiters.

...not bad... for some interns!

I don't produce many articles on here (any as yet in fact) or even updates for that matter. It's certainly something for me to work on and I've really enjoyed reflecting on only a small portion of my time at Microsoft.

I hope you can take the time to check out the blog, and see all of the fantastic stories we're keen to share with you! I can't wait for the next 6 months and for our team to be there every step of the way, to capture what has been and continues to be a truly monumental year for all of the Microsoft Interns in FY16, along with sharing the stories and insights of Microsoft's Graduate and Apprentice communities.

Thanks for reading, please reach out with any questions or ideas and be sure to check out our H1 Recap Video!