My time at Sheffield has really set me up for the future

Puiyee Khong graduated from MA Politics in 2009 and currently works as an Operations Program Manager at Microsoft Ltd.
Puiyee Khong

Studied in The University of Sheffield

MA Politics

What are your main responsibilities in your current role?

I manage a team who raises commercial and contractual documents for our volume of licensing customers. On a normal day we look at the deals that land and work out creative ways to operationalise them, while ensuring we adhere to compliance and operational excellence. I also deal with escalations, issues arising from processing and during contract lifecycle. The team I manage is a mix of employees, contractors and apprentices so different management styles apply. My stakeholders can include senior leadership in the UK subsidiary, our transacting partners and our operations centre in Dublin.

Please outline your career history: how did you get to where you are today?

I’ve built my career at Microsoft in York as a partner, and have been in similar roles for the last 10+ years, and spent the last 8 years at Microsoft.

Why did you want to come to the University of Sheffield to study your chosen degree?

It was highly recommended by a couple of lecturers and seniors who came to Sheffield, and also affordability and safety factors.

What were your favourite things about or best memories of the University of Sheffield?

Campus life definitely – with the sprawling campus and exciting new country there was a lot to see/do/experience. Also, generally city life was bustling and exciting but small enough to be walkable and accessible. Sheffield is also centrally located in the North so easy access to other major cities like Manchester, Newcastle, Liverpool and even Edinburgh.

Please explain how has your qualification and/or time at Sheffield helped you in your career?

I learnt a lot about British culture and open mindset – getting used to independence and self-sufficiency has really set me up for the future.

What has been your greatest achievement to date?

Built my brand and reputation for reliability, a great manager and a trusted colleague at work.