My introduction Cloud Computing

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at Microsoft, in the Azure Cloud Computing department.  Working on a highly complex and technological product was challenging and rewarding.  At first, I was overwhelmed by the project's complexity, but with the help of my incredible teammates, I eventually earned the confidence and knowledge to contribute significantly. My project focused on redesigning an popularAzure-related product, where I balanced usability improvements with the delicate needs of an enterprise-scale software. Navigating a structured corporate environment taught me how to advocate for my ideas, refine them based on feedback, and think critically about technical workflows. None of this would be possible without my team and support nearby; a special thanks to my manager, Brian Oakley, and mentor, John Michael, both of whom played important roles in my development. My teammates; Claire Goetschel, Ross Lordon, Manny, Necia Dallas, Grant Florence, and Ivelisse Capellan-Heyer, were extremely supportive and collaborative, guiding me through the complexities of cloud computing while creating an environment in which I could ask questions and learn.

Organizing an Intern Hackathon

In addition to my main internship job, I accepted the exciting challenge of organizing InternHacks, a hackathon specifically for Microsoft interns. As head of marketing, I was in charge of the event's branding, outreach, and the small elements that tied the hackathon together. When designing the Internhacks Hackathon, I drew inspiration from vintage Microsoft logos and branding. I designed retro-themed posters and digital assets inspired by the 1980s and arcades. Balancing a full-time job and leading a small InternHacks team gave me valuable time management and prioritization skills. I learned how to keep the team focused on a common goal while delivering products that reflected the hackathon's creative spirit. Seeing interns work together to communicate, invent, and have fun was a truly wonderful experience that made the long hours worthwhile.

Outside of work, I embraced the adventure of exploring a new state on my own for the first time. Living in Washington gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture and make meaningful connections. I networked with interns from companies like Amazon and Adobe, and one of the highlights of my summer was touring Adobe HQ in Seattle and attending an inspiring talk there. These experiences allowed me to expand my professional network while gaining fresh perspectives on design and technology.

Closing

Reflecting on this summer, I realize I've developed in ways I never expected.  I learnt to embrace technical and personal challenges, and I enjoyed moving outside of my comfort zone. From negotiating the complexities of an Azure project to directing InternHacks marketing efforts, this internship helped me improve my cooperation, adaptability, and creative problem-solving skills. This was a departure from my previous experiences, which were more focused on starting from scratch or launching new products in education, small business, and non-profit environments. But I really enjoyed my time at Microsoft and living in Seattle. Not only is it a fantastic company with products that impact every aspect of our life, but the people there genuinely care about your interests and well-being. I'm overjoyed that I got to join my team and interact with other interns around. I am enthusiastic to continue their mission when I return in the fall.

‍