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'I've Been in Their Shoes Before' - Microsoft MBA Recruiter Tells You How to Get Hired!

Bill Gates may have dropped out of Harvard, but Microsoft is scooping up business school graduates. Find out how to get hired with former Duke MBA and current Microsoft MBA Recruiter, Erwin Chan.

Thu Aug 15 2013

BusinessBecause
How the tables have turned for Erwin Chan. In the Fall of 2013, his desk became the open road. He spent three months travelling across America virtually non-stop, scooping up impressive MBAs from top US business schools. But back in 2007 he was on the other side of the fence. Then, the future MBA Recruiter had his head buried in books, studying on the full-time MBA program at Duke Fuqua Business School.

Did he know then that he would be recruiting those in his shoes in a few years’ time? It must have been a strange sensation visiting his old campus in Durham, North Carolina. “It was a bit odd the first year I went back to Fuqua as an alumni to do recruiting back in 2008,” Erwin confessed. “But I really view my job as being someone who is trying to help students who are in a difficult situation.

“I’ve been in their shoes before and I have a unique perspective in what they’re going through. My goal is to help ease that process as best as I can. Recruiting is not easy.”

Erwin, an Engineering graduate whom began his career as an IT Consultant, worked in software development for three years prior to studying his MBA. But he longed to understand of the “whole other world” that he never saw: the business side of the company. Erwin wanted to understand how the product he made was being sold. His choice to study at business school was borne out of a desire to get that exposure.

Now an MBA Staffing Consultant in University Recruiting, based in Seattle at Microsoft – the leading software corporation with a net revenue over $77 billion that employees 99,000 people – Erwin is dedicated to helping MBAs get the job of their dreams; just as he did in 2011. Erwin says that his Microsoft recruiting predecessor helped him get into the technology giant in 2007, just as he helps MBAs now. “I have had the opportunity to help MBA grads much like how he helped me. That’s been truly rewarding,” he says.  

Erwin was first attracted to Microsoft long before he even began thinking about business school. “I’ve always been the tech geek,” he jokes. “I’m not just fascinated with the devices and products, but also with the industry.

“When I was at business school, I looked at other careers and for a while pursued a career in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG). I had a choice to go into CPG or go to Microsoft and I realized that my career would inevitably lead to the high-tech industry so I should join the industry now rather than later.”

Now, Erwin prides himself on helping his fellow MBAs get jobs. During the Fall, he is “practically on the road” for three months, scouring America’s business schools for potential talent. In the Spring months, the former engineer works on closing Microsoft’s internship class. He gets a month off in March, before preparing to work with the summers’ interns. It is a hectic schedule. “I’m a huge foodie and one of the perks of the job is traveling and eating my way across America,” Erwin jokes.

But it is that commitment to his workload that impressed Microsoft and afforded him the opportunity to work in a major, global corporation after completing his MBA. Erwin says that you need to do your research and have a clear career path to get noticed at Microsoft. “Think of the recruiting cycle as a two year process,” he said.

“As a first year, if you’re interested in Microsoft, think about what sorts of other internships would help you in your second year [of your MBA], such as internships at other technology firms.

“Secondly, do your research. But also come with a point of view about where you want to go with your career. We get a lot of students who tell us they just want a job and don’t really care where, but that’s not the approach you should take with us, or any other companies.”

Erwin says he has hired from over 30 different business schools, and recommends reaching out to Microsoft alumnus that have graduated from your MBA program. With such a wide ranging choice of b-schools to compete with, did studying at Duke help him onto the career ladder at Microsoft? “The most important thing for me in looking at business schools was school culture,” Erwin said.

“I didn’t have any sort of background or knowledge about most business topics. I knew I was going to rely on my classmates for help and I wanted a place where I could ask a ton of questions and would never feel threatened.

“I didn’t want to feel like I had to watch my back, in terms of competing for jobs or grades. I visited a lot of schools, but Fuqua was a place that resonated with me and it was exactly what I was looking for.”

Erwin says that Professor Debu Purohit’s high tech marketing class was the highlight of his MBA. He was also a keen basketball fan and was excited to watch Duke’s team in action. “I had some amazing professors and fascinating classes,” he said. “Professor Debu Purohit’s high tech marketing class (the name has changed a few times) is always a highlight.

“I also took a Health Sector Management class on the pharmaceutical industry. I had no health background nor had any interest to work in healthcare – I took that class just to learn something new and it was an eye opening experience.

“For the first few days, I was very scared about speaking in class in a group of 60-65 classmates in my section. But since we knew each other so well, it became second nature to just talk and contribute in class because I had that supportive culture.”

It is that supportive culture that drives Erwin to help other MBAs succeed and led him to create an online reality show – Career Factor – while working as a Marketing Manger at Microsoft Learning between 2009 - 2011. Its aim was to help Microsoft customers that were struggling for employment during the recession and to promote the careers of IT Pros and Developers.

His ambition to help others achieve is astonishing: “I guess, then, that I’ve always viewed my job as not just a way for me to make a living but also a way to see if I can help others.”

Student Reviews

Duke University Fuqua School of Business

Student

Verified

31/10/2023

On Campus

Supportive atmosphere

The professors at Duke university exhibit exceptional commitment to the success and well-being of their students by ensuring their academic growth and fostering a supportive social atmosphere. Moreover, the entire community is recognized for its amicability and inclusiveness.

Maxwell

Verified

30/03/2023

On Campus

Diversity

The people or the students are without a doubt Duke's greatest asset. While all students are driven to succeed, they are also enthusiastic about a variety of hobbies. You run across a huge lot of diversity. It is the ideal example of a school with well-rounded students and the ideal balance of campus life in a metropolis.

Anabelle

Verified

27/02/2023

On Campus

Happy to school

All I could ever hope for is Duke University. That really epitomizes the "work hard, play hard" philosophy that elite colleges frequently pursue. Even though you'll have a lot of schooling to complete over the week, it's simple to keep focused because all of your friends are putting in similar amounts of effort. Many events taking place on and around campus on the weekends provide a great way to unwind. The combination of demanding academics and traditional college fun strikes the perfect balance.

Monica

Verified

27/02/2023

On Campus

Good schooling

Living, eating, learning, and developing who you want to be as an adult are all fantastic at Duke. I participated in student athletics, and I couldn't have asked for a better interaction with the faculty and other students. I appreciate all of the help I get from the Duke community more than anything. Furthermore, the teachers take the time to get to know you, and the lectures are diverse and demanding (if you do the same). I'd give it a 10 out of 10.

Aline

Verified

26/11/2022

On Campus

Beautiful School, Nice Classes

DU remains one the greatest and best universities that I have ever stepped in. The school is beautiful and neat. The classes are spacious and also very nice. I enjoyed attending my Lectures in those lecture halls. I also loved the Lecturers because of the good work they did. The university also has very good dorms that are given to students on first come first serve basis and they are affordable

Student

Verified

29/06/2022

Blended

Amazing experience

I received my B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Global Health with a minor in Chemistry from Duke University. I was able to grow as a student, scientist, and global health advocate with the help of my friends, professors, and other mentors I met along the way. A lot to learn if you look and ask, a great place to learn for those who want to learn.

Student

Verified

29/06/2022

Blended

whirlwind of growth and change

An amazing 2 years, with covid and everything else happening Duke has been a place of growth for me. The courses , classes were one of a kind, online and on campus. But the valuable lessons learned in the classes are irreplicable. The students are amazing here, so much diversity , I had no problem fitting in. The teachers are down right brilliant and so helpful. Don't be afraid to ask them anything. Graduated with my MBA with Duke and now my future awaits.

Student

Verified

29/06/2022

On Campus

One of the best for Business students

Graduated with an MBA. The classes were very insightful and engaging. The staff are very easy to deal with. The teachers and students, are truly amazing people. Grateful to all the people I've met along the way at Duke. I've learnt a great deal that will help me in my future endeavors. The campus itself is a marvel, it is beautiful.

Student

Verified

16/06/2022

On Campus

The university campus is awesome

I graduated with a masters degree in Religious Studies from Duke University. One thing I really liked about the university is its huge campus. It is spread in a large area with a lot of greenery and also have the facilities of reading rooms for single person also. My department building was very well taken care of. The library is immensely populated with books for all your needs. The faculty is very nice to students. The classes are equipped with latest technology to cater the needs of students. The University also provides room rentals for international students. They are very well maintained and priority is given to the International students for a comfortable stay there. There are weekly events conducted by the University as well as Student clubs for the entertainment of students. Anybody can take part in them and show their talents. I enjoyed my degree and I graduated in 2021 and was very happy that I had graduated from a reputed University.

Dhanush

Verified

12/07/2024

On Campus

Program Flexibility and Vibrant Campus Life

Duke University is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life. The university offers a diverse range of majors and research opportunities, supported by world-class faculty. What I particularly liked about Duke was its strong sense of community and the wealth of extracurricular activities available to students. The campus is beautiful, with top-notch facilities and a supportive atmosphere that fosters both personal and academic growth. Overall, I would highly recommend Duke University for its excellent educational offerings and strong alumni network. If you're looking for a place that challenges you academically while offering numerous opportunities for personal development, Duke is an excellent choice.

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