I wrote this in 2015 when Microsoft Turkey’s Talent Explorer Program launched. Eleven years on, Microsoft’s intern/recruiting programs have evolved — original post plus 2026 current programs below.
Original post (April 2015, translated):
For Microsoft internship opportunities, check out the Microsoft Talent Explorer Program. Candidates go through various exams and assessments; the most successful are accepted for long-term internships at Microsoft Turkey.
The program starts in August; students must apply via the Microsoft careers page by 24 April 2015. Microsoft Turkey treats interns as future Microsoft employees, and Talent Explorer as a significant step where company culture, knowledge and experience are shared.
Microsoft Turkey plans to hire 25 interns through the program, selecting from 3rd- and 4th-year university students.
2026 — Microsoft Turkey Internship & Hiring Landscape
The structure has shifted significantly since 2015. Talent Explorer still exists (renamed), but additions matter more.
1. Microsoft Turkey Talent Explorer
- Once a year, applications March-May.
- 20-30 interns selected.
- 3rd- and 4th-year (incl. Masters) students.
- Process: online application → online assessment (logic + English) → 2-3 interview rounds → final.
2. Microsoft Engage Program (New — 2023+)
A 4-week summer mentorship program for 2nd-year students. Part of Microsoft’s global university programs; officially launched in Turkey in 2023.
3. Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors (formerly MSP)
Microsoft Student Partners (MSP) was renamed to Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors in 2020. Same goal: be Microsoft’s campus representative.
- Benefits: free Azure credits, certification exams, exclusive events, career mentorship.
- Apply at studentambassadors.microsoft.com
4. Direct Application
careers.microsoft.com — internships and full-time positions are posted year-round.
Year-by-Year Prep Strategy (2026)
- Years 1-2: Apply to Engage, join Student Ambassadors. Publish projects on GitHub. Compete in hackathons (Imagine Cup, INGBank, Garanti).
- Year 3: Apply to Talent Explorer. Be comfortable in at least one of C# / Python / TypeScript. Learn Azure basics (AZ-900 cert).
- Year 4: Talent Explorer + full-time positions. Network with Microsoft employees on LinkedIn.
- Masters: Apply directly to full-time. Consider Research Internships (Cambridge / Redmond).
Microsoft Interview Process (2026)
- Step 1: Online assessment — coding (LeetCode easy-medium) + logic.
- Step 2: Phone/video interview (45 min technical).
- Step 3: “Final loop” — 4-5 interviews in one day. System design + coding + STAR behavioral.
- Step 4: Hiring committee decision.
