Barnam Bora - Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
At the end of my third year studying a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering I was looking for an internship opportunity to fulfil the work experience requirement for the degree. I was searching for positions on seek.com and sending off my resume and cover letters to technical and engineering companies.
After a challenging period of applications and discussions with numerous prospective employers, I finally secured my dream opportunity - an internship with Microsoft!
The application process was intense. After submitting a resume and cover letter, I completed an online questionnaire and essay. I was in a really good position to answer the essay question: “Why do you want to work at Microsoft?” I have admired Microsoft and Bill Gates since I was a child and I have always been amazed by the innovation at Microsoft. The online component was followed by two telephone interviews and an all-day recruiting session consisting of two group discussions and three personal interviews. My passion and enthusiasm for Microsoft and my technical knowledge set me apart during this process.
I gained a position as a Technology Strategist Intern at Microsoft in Adelaide. Now, 12 months later, I have secured a promotion into a permanent position as a Technology Strategist for the Financial Services and Insurance sector with Microsoft in Sydney. The role of a Technology Strategist is to build up strategic long-term relationships with enterprises and their executives, to assist them in meeting their business objectives with the effective use of cutting edge technology.
My advice to students is to try and keep up with study while making sure you devote time to your professional objectives. Ask yourself “What do I want to get from this degree?” If the answer is: “a great job”, start thinking about it early. Start getting references and you can begin by asking your lecturers. Going to the Careers Expo is important but making sure that you immediately follow up your discussions with all prospective employers is usually what exponentially elevates your chances of securing your dream job. The idea is not to be afraid of applying. Even if you are not successful in securing the position you still walk away wiser and more experienced. Write a new cover letter for every position – being original is the key to getting noticed. The onus is on you to market yourself attractively. Just as an example, I did my schooling in India in two very different yet extremely well reputed schools. During my interview, I was at perfect ease while discussing the integrity of my values that I acquired at a convent i.e. Carmel School Jorhat, and was equally comfortable in discussing the discipline and fighting spirit I acquired at Army School Narangi. Your interviewers already know the skills that are specific to your degree. It is your unique and diverse experiences that increase your employability.
Securing your dream job is not a process, it is an art and you will need to invest your time and efforts wisely to arrive at the perfect masterpiece. With the use of your personality, persistence and originality, if you can convince your interviewer that you will be an asset and not a liability, you will definitely be hired.
