Summary:

The Economic Observer published an article on the relations between the interns and their exclusive mentors at Microsoft Research Asia. The article is an insightful glimpse of Microsoft Research Asia"s positive attitude towards fostering talents, providing a relaxing work environment for encouraging discoveries and innovation.

Gathering talents is an important element for future development. "Multinational corporations can"t develop in 10 or 20 years without regarding China as a long term strategic talents base." The Interns Microsoft Research Asia recruits in China are considered a great treasure. Not only do they enjoy colorful club activities and trainings, but they also receive guidance from top researchers in exploring technology and personal development.

Good attitude and good command of math and programming have been the criteria for intern selection since 1999. The interns are all paired with individual mentors to ensure the quality of communication. They can participate in their mentors" research projects. Discussion during dinner is what they enjoy most. Encouraging interns to get involved in core research is advocated at Microsoft Research Asia while it is not viewed by many other corporations as a prudent decision. Jingyu Cui, an Microsoft Research Asia intern, commented, "At first, I didn"t see myself as an intern, but as a quasi-employee, because my mentor gave me a lot of freedom and space."

Of the 2500 interns who used to work at Microsoft Research Asia, only 100 become staff while the others choose to join other corporations, including Microsoft competitors. But Microsoft Research Asia believes that even though interns may not choose to stay, one day they will become a business partner. Harry Shum, the most popular mentor in Microsoft Research Asia, advises his interns, "Have more contact with people around you and work with more talents. It is a great opportunity for learning and preparing for future development."

Key Messages Captured:

• Interns at Microsoft Research Asia are all paired with mentors and provided with training and club activities to ensure the quality of communication and research.
• Microsoft Research Asia gathers and trains talents not only for itself, but for the development of the whole IT industry.
• Interns at Microsoft Research Asia are provided with great value and enjoy an environment of flexibility and freedom.

MS Spokesperson Quotes:

Harry Shum, (Former Managing Director of Microsoft Research Asia): "Have more contact with people around you and work with more talents. It is a great opportunity for learning and preparing for future development."

3rd Party Validation

Jingyu Cui (intern): At first, I didn"t see myself as an intern, but as a quasi-employee, because my mentor gave me a lot of freedom and space.

Publication:

The Economic Observer is a weekly newspaper with a circulation of 500,000 targeting senior management in business, finance and other related sectors.