Ready to take your first steps toward a career in tech? As someone who transitioned from student life to a full-time job in tech, I am here to share how you can unlock incredible opportunities at Microsoft like internships, competitions, and more to kickstart your career in tech!

👋 My name is Kiana, and I joined Microsoft just over two years ago as a Product Manager in the Azure Edge + Platform space. Before that, I spent two years as a Software Engineer. As someone who was once in your shoes and is now a full-time employee, I am super passionate about helping students navigate the world of resume building and networking. Don’t hesitate to reach out – connect with me on LinkedIn. Microsoft offers a wide array of opportunities for students to grow and thrive, and I’m here to share some insights and tips to help you make the most of them!

1. ⚡Microsoft Imagine Cup⚡

Unlock your startup’s potential with the Imagine Cup – the premier global technology startup competition for student founders using AI technologies on the Microsoft Cloud. Compete for the grand prize and a mentorship session with Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella. Gain access to networking opportunities, global recognition and expert coaching during the competition to accelerate your startup. Imagine Cup is more than a competition; it’s a transformative journey that helps student founders turn their innovative ideas into market-ready startups.

Eligibility:

Participants must be at least 18 years old as of October 1, 2024, and enrolled students at an accredited educational institution between October 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025.
U.S. export regulations prohibit the export of goods and services to Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Russia, and the Region of Crimea. Therefore, residents of these countries/regions are not eligible to participate.
Mentors are not considered team members for the purpose of this competition.
Please see the  rules and regulations  for full eligibility criteria.

Benefits:

Access to AI Technology: Accelerate your growth and scale quickly with access to industry-leading AI services through Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub
Expert Technical Advice and Founder Guidance: Receive 1-on-1 mentorship and immediate guidance from Microsoft experts to solve business and technical challenges quickly
Prizes and Global Recognition: Win up to $100k USD and an exclusive mentoring session with Microsoft Chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella

Learn more here: https://imaginecup.microsoft.com/en-us?wt.mc_id=ic25_studenthub_website

2. ⚡Microsoft Student Innovator Series⚡

Explore and innovate with AI and the Microsoft Cloud through the Microsoft Student Innovator Series.  This exciting program offers a range of events designed to help you take your next steps as a tech innovator.  Deep dive sessions include Azure AI and Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub.

Eligibility: Anyone

Benefits: 

Network with the community
Learn new concepts and topics within the tech industry 

Learn more here: https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/reactor/series/S-1386?wt.mc_id=StudentHub_S-1386_webpage_Student_Reactor

3. ⚡Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub‌‌

Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub helps startups radically accelerate innovation by providing access to industry-leading AI services, expert guidance, and the essential technology needed to build a future-proofed startup.

Eligibility:

To apply for Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub your startup must meet the following criteria:

Engaged in the development of a software-based product or service that is a core part of your current or intended business. The software must be owned and not licensed from another party.
Your startup received less than $10,000 in free Azure credits.
Your headquarters is in one of the countries covered by Azure.
Your startup hasn’t gone through a Series D or later funding round.
Your startup is privately held.
Your startup is a for-profit business.
Your startup isn’t an educational institution, government entity, personal blog, dev shop, consultancy, agency, bitcoin, or crypto mining company.

Benefits:

Cutting-edge AI tools: All startups get free access to leading AI models through Azure, including OpenAI GPT-4, Llama 2 from Meta, and more. Get up to $150,000 in Azure credits, plus $2,500 of OpenAI credits.
Free Azure credits: Up to $150,000 in Azure credits to conserve runway while you experiment, prototype, and build.
Access to real people: Unlimited 1:1 meetings with experts who can help solve immediate business challenges, plus provide technical guidance on the latest in AI.
Free software and development tools: 30+ additional free and discounted tools, tech, and services from Microsoft and our partners including M365, GitHub, LinkedIn, and more.

Learn more here: https://foundershub.startups.microsoft.com/signup

4. ⚡Microsoft Internships⚡

Microsoft internships offer the opportunity to work on meaningful projects and cutting-edge technology in all job families and solution areas. Open to current Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA, and PhD students, the program is designed to provide valuable learning and growth experiences within a diverse and engaging culture.

Eligibility:

Students must be enrolled full-time in an applicable field and plan to return to university/college for at least one term following the internship period.

Benefits:

Competitive pay
Software Discounts
Free ORCA bus pass
Other discounts from Microsoft Prime (travel, restaurants, etc.)

Learn more here: https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/home.html

5. ⚡Azure for Students⚡

Azure for Students gives students free access to Microsoft Azure, allowing them to explore cloud computing and develop skills with various services and tools. There is no credit card required, making it easy to build and test applications. This program supports hands-on learning and helps students prepare for careers in tech while working on their projects. Note: Microsoft also offers a free tier to non-students. Read more here.

Eligibility:

Azure for Students is available only to students who meet the following requirements:

You must affirm that you attend an accredited, degree-granting, two- to four-year university educational institution where you’re a full-time student.
You must verify your academic status through your organization’s email address.

Benefits:

Free popular Azure services for up to 12 months
Over 55 other services that are always free to use
Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection
Flexible pricing models after the free trial is over
Provides real-world experience with cloud computing
Offers collaboration tools for teamwork and communication skills

Learn more here: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/free/students/

6. ⚡Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador⚡

The Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador program brings together students who are enthusiastic about technology and community engagement. Ambassadors receive access to exclusive resources, training, and events, allowing them to share their knowledge and skills with others. By participating, students can enhance their leadership abilities, expand their network, and make a positive impact in their communities while exploring Microsoft technologies. This program offers a valuable opportunity for personal and professional growth in a collaborative environment.

Eligibility:

Be age 16 or older at time of application
Be enrolled full-time in an accredited academic institution (e.g. College, University)
Be an individual person (not a corporate entity)
Not be a Microsoft employee or current contractor

Benefits:

Access to Microsoft 365.
Visual Studio Enterprise subscription
$150 monthly Azure credits
Ready-to-go presentation materials
Engagement with Microsoft employees, Microsoft MVPs, Cloud Advocates, and other students worldwide
Student Ambassadors milestone badges highlighting accomplishments
Student Ambassadors Swag

Learn more here: https://mvp.microsoft.com/studentambassadors

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