I’m trying to get an internship at Microsoft and I wanted to know if anyone had any pointers. Do you have any idea what kind of GPA they are looking for? Also besides grades what else do you look for (please don’t be vague)?
And what is the best way to apply? Should I contact them directly? Apply online? Go to the career office at my school?
Just about any tip would be useful right about now.
One of my sons had an internship at Microsoft. The company is looking for the same thing as any of the major software companies. Good GPA + any programming projects or activities outside of class. For example, participation in programming team; participation in Hack-a-thons at other universities; research projects with professors; or just programming projects that you’ve done on your own time just because the topic interested you.
If your university has a career fair in the Fall and/or Spring then look for the Microsoft booth (if they attend). Talk to the people there and they probably will tell you to apply on-line. If your university has an on-line repository of student resumes put yours there for companies to see.
I don’t think Microsoft has an exact cut-off for GPA. But, they are looking for top candidates and often times they rely upon GPA as an indicator. If you are in the top third of your class I would think you should be considered. Perhaps you can be lower if you are attending the most prestigious CS programs.
I think it’s easier to get the internship with more courses under your belt.
Good luck