This winter break, I find myself immersed in a blend of storytelling and strategic preparation. Watching The Story of Xbox on YouTube has been a deeply engaging way to familiarize myself with both the legacy and future of Xbox as a brand, as well as the broader gaming industry. It’s a unique opportunity to study Microsoft’s audacious beginnings in gaming and how Xbox evolved from a bold gamble into an industry game-changer. This research is setting the stage for my upcoming summer MBA internship with Microsoft, where I’ll focus on business development for Xbox.
Read about my summer MBA Internship here.
Currently, I’m in Washington to attend the African Achievement Awards, where I’ve been honored with a nomination for the Best International Youth Empowerment Award. While here, I couldn’t pass up the chance to visit the Microsoft campus in Redmond. My mentor, Miguel Vicente, graciously hosted me for a tour of Studio D and provided invaluable insights into the company’s innovative ecosystem.
The Microsoft campus is a world in itself. Spanning over 500 acres, it’s a hub of creativity, collaboration, and cutting-edge technology. As a tech hub founder, this was fascinating in its own way to me.
With over 100 buildings and 55,000+ employees, the campus is designed to foster innovation while providing employees with spaces to thrive. Its history is deeply intertwined with the evolution of technology; from its beginnings in Albuquerque in 1975 to becoming a cornerstone of modern tech innovation, Microsoft’s journey reflects its commitment to shaping the future. Being on campus is a humbling experience—walking the halls where countless breakthroughs have been made, and where the seeds of Xbox’s bold gamble were first planted, is nothing short of inspiring.
As I prepare for this internship, I see it as more than just a summer experience—it’s my “MBA project.” Business development concepts often remain theoretical during studies, but contributing to a brand as monumental as Xbox allows me to transform theory into impactful action. The internship’s structure and the team’s investment in my development already feel incredibly promising.
Joining a globally recognized brand like Xbox comes with its challenges. Reflecting on my time with the UNDP Independent Evaluation Office, I understand that it can take months—sometimes a year—to truly grasp a brand’s scope and nuances. That’s why I’m grateful for the head start this early internship offer has afforded me. With support from the Xbox team and resources like The Story of Xbox, I’m making strides to deepen my understanding well before stepping into the role.
Read my review of ‘The Story of Xbox‘ here.
I’ve also decided to document and share my “Journey to Xbox” with you. This series will share my discoveries about business development and the gaming industry. Engaging with content like The Story of Xbox has already provided valuable lessons about risk, innovation, and resilience, and I look forward to applying these lessons to my work with Xbox.
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