Hello, Amazing People! 👋
Today, I want to share my heartfelt story of participating in Microsoft Engage 2022. It was an adventure filled with excitement, perseverance, and the realization that luck plays a significant role in this program. Although I aced two rounds, I unfortunately, faced rejection in the final stage.
But fear not!😎 I'm here to share my experience, offer valuable tips, and shed light on the role luck plays in the journey toward securing a spot in Microsoft Engage 2023 mentorship Program.

Microsoft Engage Mentorship Program

Microsoft Engage is a student engagement and mentorship program by Microsoft that offers 1:1 mentorship to shortlisted students while working on a project, learning sessions specially curated for Engage students and a sneak peek into Microsoft’s culture and values.
In this article, I am going to discuss how you can become a part of this program and the wonderful experience I had.

Eligibility Criteria

Graduation year: 2nd
CGPA: 7 and above.
Course: B.Tech/B.E/Dual Degree
Branch: Any
No pending backlogs
Strong CS Fundamentals and Coding principles required.

Selection Process

The selection for this program was a three-step process:

CV Shortlisting
Round 1 Test | MCQ Based
Round 2 Test | Descriptive Type

One can find all the details of the application at their career portal.

The Online Application - A Glimpse into My Dreams 💌

It all began with the online application, where I poured my heart and soul into showcasing my academic achievements, and extracurricular activities, and answering those tricky behavioral questions. As I typed away, I envisioned the opportunity to work for Microsoft—a chance to make an impact, innovate, and contribute to the ever-evolving world of technology. I carefully crafted my application, selecting my experiences and emphasizing my passion for both technology and Microsoft's mission.
Remember, this is your chance to make a strong first impression, so be sure to showcase your unique qualities. Create an amazing resume to pass this round and focus on your CGPA starting from the first year of your college & create good projects and practice problem-solving

🎉After 2–3 weeks of initial shortlisting through resumes, the shortlisted people received an invite for a test link and I qualified to participate in Engage.

First Round: The Technical Assessment -

A Thrilling Test of Skills.

It consisted of 10 MCQ-type questions based on Data Structures, Algorithms and Probability and Statistics. It was a 30-minute long test on the AceHacker platform and was necessary to qualify for the next round.

Two days after giving the test I received the email that I had been shortlisted for the Second Round of the program! I was excited and my hopes were high 😅 about everything that was in store for the next round!

Round 2: The Descriptive Assessment - Unleashing My Skills.

The Second round comprised a single descriptive-type question, where we had to explain a concept in the best way possible. This was also a 30-minute long test.

For both rounds, these are the following important topics:

Data Structures and Algorithms
Operating system
GIT & GitHub Basics
Java Programming
Problem-solving - with 4–5 coding questions and the rest were reasoning-based & MCQ questions.

Embracing Rejection: A Stepping Stone on the Journey of Greatness😢😓

With a heavy heart, I faced rejection in the second round of Microsoft Engage. Yet, this setback fueled my determination to soar higher. Though the disappointment lingered, I embraced it as an opportunity for growth and self-reflection. Remember, dear dreamers, rejection is not the end but a stepping stone on the path to greatness. Embrace the lessons learned, persevere with unwavering resilience, and continue pursuing your dreams. 🌊

Overcoming Rejection: A Lesson in Perseverance and Serendipity🏵

Alas, despite my best efforts and the hope that blossomed within me, I received the heart-wrenching news—I was not selected for the Microsoft Engage program. Disappointment clouded my thoughts, but I refused to let it dampen my spirit. It was a pivotal moment for growth, and I knew I had to take something valuable away from the experience. Here's what I learned:

Embrace the learning opportunity: Microsoft Engage is a highly competitive program where luck and skill dance together. While skill forms the foundation, luck has the power to open doors and present unique opportunities. Embrace the journey, learn from each experience, and acknowledge the role of luck in shaping your path.
Seek feedback: Reach out to the Microsoft Engage team or interviewers and politely request feedback on areas where you can improve. Their insights will help you identify your weaknesses and guide your efforts for future interviews. Take this feedback constructively and use it to enhance your skills.
Enhance your skills and knowledge: Reflect on the areas where you may have fallen short and take steps to improve. Seek additional resources such as coding tutorials, online courses, or coding communities to strengthen your technical abilities. Continuous learning and upskilling are vital to stand out in the competitive landscape.
Seizing Opportunities: Remain open to unexpected opportunities that come your way. Attend tech conferences, join coding communities, and engage with professionals in the industry. Networking and staying connected increase your chances of encountering those moments that can change the trajectory of your journey.
Perseverance and resilience: Rejection may knock you down, but don't let it keep you there. Remember that luck can be fickle, and timing is crucial. Stay persistent, maintain a positive mindset, and continue pursuing your dreams. Your lucky break might be just around the corner.

Conclusion🔐

My Microsoft Engage 2022 journey was a whirlwind of emotions, from soaring highs to challenging lows. Furthermore, a journey of captivating tales of skill, perseverance, and the undeniable influence of luck. Although I faced rejection in the final stage, I'm immensely grateful for the lessons I learned and the doors this experience opened for me.
Remember, success is not always guaranteed, but with dedication, continuous improvement, and an unwavering spirit, you can increase your chances of acing the Microsoft Engage process and securing an internship. Believe in yourself, embrace the journey, and let your passion for technology lead you to extraordinary opportunities. Best of luck, my fellow dreamers!💗

Dream, Believe, Achieve:

Best Wishes to Microsoft Engage 2023 Participants!🚀

Embrace this incredible opportunity with wide-eyed enthusiasm and unwavering determination. As you step into the world of Microsoft Engage 2023, imagine a stage where your skills, knowledge, and passion take center stage, paving the way for success. Picture this journey as a thrilling rollercoaster ride, with unexpected twists and turns. Remember, there may be moments of doubt and setbacks, but let resilience and adaptability be your trusted companions. Believe in the power you possess to make a lasting impact. Along this path, weave a tapestry of meaningful connections and grasp each opportunity that fate presents. Let this transformative experience be the catalyst that propels you toward a future brimming with personal growth and fulfillment.

Good luck with your exhilarating Microsoft Engage 2023 adventure!🌸

In this upcoming journey, if you encounter obstacles or need guidance, I'm here. Let's form a bond of support, where dreams are nurtured and aspirations flourish.🤝

LINKTREE : https://linktr.ee/ShivamGrg

Shivam Garg