Research Intern - Innovation Market Analyst Intern

Research Internships at Microsoft provide a dynamic environment for research careers with a network of world-class research labs led by globally-recognized scientists and engineers, who pursue innovation in a range of scientific and technical disciplines to help solve complex challenges in diverse fields, including computing, healthcare, economics, and the environment.

The Central Program Management team at Microsoft Research is looking to build an innovation analysis capability for the lab and we want you to join us on this journey. As an Innovation Market Analyst Intern, you will partner with technical program managers, innovation strategists, researchers, engineers, and organizational leaders within Microsoft Research to identify and research market verticals previously unserved by the lab. You will assess and develop a perspective on an industry of your choosing that is ripe for technical research exploration.

We are seeking candidates with a strong foundation in business strategy, exceptional communication skills, and effective stakeholder management. The ideal candidates will exhibit a deep curiosity and interest in market shifts and the creation of new product categories driven by technological innovation and disruption. They should possess analytical thinking and the ability to synthesize complex information into clear insights. A collaborative mindset and a proactive approach to exploring emerging trends will be essential, as will the capacity to engage with diverse teams and stakeholders. We value individuals who are not only adept at navigating the business landscape but are also passionate about uncovering opportunities for growth and innovation.

At Microsoft, Research Interns work on real-world projects in collaboration with teams across the world, while having fun along the way. You’ll be empowered to build community, explore your passions and achieve your goals. This is your chance to bring your solutions and ideas to life while working on cutting-edge technology.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a PhD in Business Administration, Strategic Management, Economics, Communication, or a related field.
• At least 1 additional quarter/semester of school remaining following the completion of the internship.

Other Requirements

• Research Interns are expected to be physically located in their manager’s Microsoft worksite location for the duration of their internship.
• In addition to the qualifications below, you’ll need to submit a minimum of two reference letters for this position as well as a cover letter and any relevant work or research samples. After you submit your application, a request for letters may be sent to your list of references on your behalf. Note that reference letters cannot be requested until after you have submitted your application, and furthermore, that they might not be automatically requested for all candidates. You may wish to alert your letter writers in advance, so they will be ready to submit your letter.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, Finance, Economics, Liberal Arts, Computer Science, or related field.
• Experience in marketing, strategy, business planning, management consulting, finance, economics.

The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,550 - $12,880 per month. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $8,480 - $13,920 per month.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: 

Microsoft accepts applications and processes offers for these roles on an ongoing basis.

Research Interns put inquiry and theory into practice. Alongside fellow doctoral candidates and some of the world’s best researchers, Research Interns learn, collaborate, and network for life. Research Interns not only advance their own careers, but they also contribute to exciting research and development strides. During the 12-week internship, Research Interns are paired with mentors and expected to collaborate with other Research Interns and researchers, present findings, and contribute to the vibrant life of the community. Research internships are available in all areas of research, and are offered year-round, though they typically begin in the summer.

Additional Responsibilities

• Conduct primary and secondary market research to identify industry trends, user needs, and the research landscape for a given market vertical. Examples include financial services, discrete manufacturing, process manufacturing, professional learning, and education.
• Engage with users to gather insights into their preferences and challenges.
• Investigate innovative topics and research trends in academia, startups, and industrial research labs to uncover emerging ideas and potential opportunities for collaboration.
• Synthesize findings into actionable insights across research areas and leverage those insights to develop recommendations for potential breakthrough research opportunities. 
• Deliver project findings and recommendations in a final presentation and market report targeting an executive level audience.
•