Explore Microsoft Program

Explore Microsoft Overview

Imagine getting the opportunity to explore various software development roles within your first two years of college. If you aspire to be in tech and have an interest in majoring in a technical discipline like Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline (ex. Information Technology, Data Science, Electrical Engineering and Cybersecurity), apply for the Explore Microsoft program.

Explore Microsoft is a 12-week summer internship program specifically designed for first- and second-year college students. The program allows the opportunity to experience the product development cycle's primary phases: Design, Build and Quality. Gain experience in software development through a learning program where you get the opportunity to work in a pod alongside other Explore Interns. Your on-the-job learning will be augmented with mentoring, community building and networking opportunities.

2025 Program Information

All candidates who meet the above criteria may apply. We especially encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in engineering and computer science, including those who self-identify as a woman, African American, Black, Hispanic, Latinx, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, person with a disability, and/or LGBTQIA+.
Second year undergraduate students: The Explore internship application will launch Monday, September 30.

We will be reviewing applications and interviewing candidates on a rolling basis until the program is filled. Please allow for up to 90 days after you have applied before hearing from someone on our team.

First year undergraduate students: The Explore internship application will launch November 11.

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will start reaching out in December to schedule interviews.

Applicants will be paid and should be available to work full-time for 12 consecutive weeks. There are two start date options:
- May 19, 2025 – August 8, 2025
- June 16, 2025 – September 5, 2025

All candidates who meet the above criteria may apply. We especially encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in engineering and computer science, including those who self-identify as a woman, African American, Black, Hispanic, Latinx, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, person with a disability, and/or LGBTQIA+.
Second year undergraduate students: The Explore internship application will launch Monday, September 30.

We will be reviewing applications and interviewing candidates on a rolling basis until the program is filled. Please allow for up to 90 days after you have applied before hearing from someone on our team.

First year undergraduate students: The Explore internship application will launch November 11.

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will start reaching out in December to schedule interviews.

Applicants will be paid and should be available to work full-time for 12 consecutive weeks. There are two start date options:
- May 19, 2025 – August 8, 2025
- June 16, 2025 – September 5, 2025

You will have an enormous responsibility, project ownership and impact during this 12-week session.

How does Explore program differ from Microsoft's 12-week University Internship?

Explore Microsoft is intended for students who are beginning their academic studies and would like to learn more about careers in software development through an experiential learning program. The Explore program provides challenging and impactful projects and is completed working in a pod alongside other Explorers. Explorers will experience both core tech disciplines over 12 weeks (Program Manager and Software Engineer), rather than specializing in just one.
What can I expect to do during Explore Microsoft?
Will I work in a few groups during this experience, or focus on a specific goal in one group?
There are two Explore Microsoft applications (first year & second year undergraduate student). Which application should I apply to?
Where is Explore Microsoft offered?
If I haven't declared a major, can I still apply?

Early in Profession

Our early in profession experience is a launchpad for dreamers and doers. Every opportunity — whether you are coming from school, a bootcamp, are self taught, or making a career pivot — is an invitation to explore the frontiers of technology and leadership.
Benefits

Explore Microsoft’s world-class benefits designed to help you and your family live well.
Culture

We will only achieve our mission if we live our culture, which starts with applying a growth mindset.
Diversity and inclusion

We are committed to celebrating the diversity around us and its power to drive us forward together.
Flexible work

At Microsoft, we value flexibility as part of our hybrid workplace so that you can feel empowered to do your best work.