Case study: Microsoft loses an intern, a partner gains an employee

Each year Microsoft accepts an influx of graduates seeking training in Microsoft applications. Often the volume of interns far outweighs the number of entry-level positions on offer, which inspired the development of the Partner Linked Program. The initiative aims to help graduates who complete the one-year internship find permanent positions with Microsoft channel partners – and the added bonus is the vendor indirectly retains the interns it can’t employ.

“We have fabulous talent in our internship program … it’s a win-win situation, it’s not controversial and partners are happy with the idea – it’s a no brainer,” said Nick Mayhew, group manager Partner Strategy & Marketing Team, Microsoft.

Having already attracted over 20 registered partners, Mayhew explained that the program provides a forum where employers can interact with prospective employees. He added that operationally the model respects the privacy of both partners and interns.

“We ask partners if they’re interested in the program and they can choose to opt in. Then we add them to our database,” he related. “Interns are asked if they want to opt in, then we send their resume out and leave it up to the partner and intern to establish a relationship.”

Mayhew commented that the program offers partners a cost effective means of hiring skilled employees, while also demonstrating Microsoft’s commitment to the channel.

“At a business level, we’re committed to investing in the partner channel. Our aim is to help partners and strengthen relationships as well as offer the opportunity for business gains. Having great people is pivotal to the success of a business,” he said.

According to Mayhew, the Partner Linked program addresses the IT skills shortage by not only training graduates to make them a more attractive hire, it also initiates contact between partners seeking employees and interns seeking employment.

“We believe we are also helping the broad IT community,” he said. “The value proposition is higher for an employee that has come from a vendor like Microsoft. It also creates opportunities for more exciting roles as the intern is valued more.”Graduates are trained in several areas of business including marketing, distribution, development, product support, retail, online project management and consulting. The interns are then encouraged to network with partners to leverage career opportunities in the wider IT community through the Partner Linked Program.

Mick Badran, managing director, Breeze Consulting is an advocate of the program, recently hiring Shannon Carey, a graduate who completed the Microsoft Corporate Internship Program.

Badran explained that his previous involvement with the vendor allowed him to see the interns in action.

“We were fortunate enough to hand pick Shannon, as we work closely with Microsoft. It made perfect sense because we knew Shannon, had worked with him and everything just fell into place,” he said.

“I thought, ‘hey, I could really use these guys in the company’, they’re skilled in the Microsoft set, they know what they’re doing. It was a perfect fit,” he added.

The ability to hire someone at a grassroots level who already possessed a valuable skill set was an added bonus, stated Badran. Shannon’s short employment history was therefore not considered a hindrance, rather an indication that he was likely to adapt easily to Breeze’s way of doing business.

“The program allowed us to pick the perfect candidate who we could mould to our unique way of doing things. Senior executives are very capable but do not necessary fit in with company culture,” said Badran.Taking on a new employee was a significant step for the small business of 12 staff. According to Badran, it was critical to make an informed choice.

“We couldn’t afford to sit and waste our time for three months on someone we weren’t sure would last,” he said. “Shannon was already from Microsoft, was dealing with their technology, and knew their culture, product groups and the way Microsoft operates so it was the perfect transition.”

Shannon noticed early on that having Microsoft on his resume was a selling point.

“I was very nervous when I first started, but after the internship anyone I speak to are wrapped that I work for Microsoft,” he said.

Well aware that the internship afforded him the opportunity to meet prospective employers like Breeze, Shannon has since settled into his new position and claims to be a testament to the success of the program.

“Microsoft gives you so many opportunities to network that the relationship with Breeze came to me,” he said. “There are so many opportunities at Breeze, I’m involved in consulting, training, development, IT professional work … I can see myself working for Breeze for a very long time.”