I'm Thibault Coutarel, Executive Sales Manager at Microsoft as part of my Master's degree work-study track at EM Normandie Business School. Microsoft is one of the biggest companies in the world, with an international reach. My role involves negotiating commercial agreements with Microsoft France's major customers. More specifically, this includes negotiating discounts and contractual conditions, in order to ensure that Microsoft and its customers find common ground.
Work-study tracks for Microsoft
Every year, Microsoft welcomes thousands of students from all over the world.
At Microsoft, we particularly appreciate having work-study track students in our teams. It allows us to stay in touch with the market, to understand how the business world is evolving and what young people are looking for.
Laure Mariucci, Commercial Executive Manager at Microsoft.
Generative AI: a revolution in the making at Microsoft
At the moment, we're in the middle of a revolution around generative AI, a fast-growing field. The Copilot project is a major focus at Microsoft, and it offers an opportunity for continuous learning in a constantly evolving environment.
Synergy between courses and the company
What I learn in class is particularly useful in my work. For example, I was able to apply a negotiation course directly in the workplace. The course included practical cases where we had to negotiate agreements with town mayors.
These negotiation techniques, which I studied in class, are directly transferable to my role at Microsoft, strengthening my expertise.
Onboarding and mentoring at Microsoft
When I arrived, I benefited from a structured support programme with a buddy, a sort of mentor who guided me through the onboarding process. This process included immersive training sessions and regular check-ins, both with the buddy and with the team managers, which made integration much easier.
The benefits of a work-study track for a successful career
I would 100% recommend the work-study track to students. It's an ideal transition between student life and professional life.
Unlike an internship, a work-study track offers increased responsibilities and a longer duration, which generates a stronger relationship of trust with the company. It also gives you the opportunity to work on major projects, contributing to real learning and a significant improvement in your skills.
