On Thursday, April 3, 19 NOVA Engineering Technology Career Scholars and 5 staff members visited Microsoft in Reston to explore high-growth tech careers. Employees at this site hold diverse roles in customer support, engineering, and sales.

The visit included a tour of the building, sublimation design and printing in the main makerspace, and an activity featuring the Microsoft HoloLens 2 in “The Garage,” a hands-on innovation space and program.

Ruth Ferland, director of the Reston/DC Garage, says, “Our primary mission is to empower employees to bring their authentic selves and to innovate inside our makerspaces so that creativity trickles into their day job.” Employees can create projects for both work and personal use. An advanced makerspace with higher-risk equipment is also available to those who complete OHS training.

Among the various programs offered, The Garage is best known for its Global Hackathon—a large-scale coding and problem-solving event involving Microsoft employees, partners, and customers. It is the largest hackathon of its kind worldwide.

The building tour featured a marketplace, common areas, conference rooms, a game room, rooftop seating, and more.

In the main makerspace, students explored sublimation—a process where gas transforms directly into a solid. Using special ink, paper, and printers, they created designs resembling temporary tattoos, activated by heat and pressure. The ink sublimated directly onto the object. Students used Microsoft Copilot, an AI-powered tool, to generate designs and then applied them to flags and tumblers.

Another station featured the Microsoft HoloLens 2, an augmented reality (AR) headset that overlays holograms onto the real world—unlike virtual reality (VR), which fully immerses users in a digital environment. Widely used in manufacturing and healthcare, the HoloLens supports remote collaboration and hands-on training.

The headset includes sensors such as a camera, LiDAR, and a rear-mounted computer and battery for balance and comfort. Instead of enclosed screens, it projects 3D images onto a glass display using a laser-mirror system. Students used a graffiti app to create virtual drawings that remained anchored in space even after they stepped away.

Scholars’ feedback was resoundingly positive. Common themes included:

Positive Overall Experience

• Nearly every student described the visit as enjoyable, memorable, or eye-opening.
• Many said it exceeded expectations, especially those who anticipated a more traditional or corporate environment.

Innovative and Welcoming Work Environment

• Students were impressed by the open, collaborative spaces and lack of cubicles.
• The atmosphere felt relaxed, creative, and employee-focused—many mentioned it’s the kind of place they’d love to work.
• Several noted the building was secure yet still felt welcoming and inspiring.

Employee Engagement and Community

• Many students were struck by the genuine happiness and camaraderie among Microsoft employees.
• Conversations with staff were seen as inspirational, offering insights into career paths, growth opportunities, and work culture.
• A recurring observation: Microsoft fosters a strong sense of community and diversity.

Career Growth and Internal Mobility

• Multiple students highlighted how easy it seemed to transfer roles within Microsoft or move up in the company.
• Stories of employees shifting departments or growing into leadership roles were especially motivating.

Hands-On Learning and Makerspace Activities

• The sublimation activity (making cups and flags) was consistently cited as a highlight.
• Students appreciated the chance to engage with cutting-edge tools and technology, including VR and HoloLens 2.
• The experience made Microsoft feel tangible and interactive, not just a software company.

Amenities, Culture, and Work-Life Balance

• Students noticed and valued:
  • Recreational areas (e.g., games, patios, rooftop beehives)
  • 24/7 access to makerspaces
  • Snack/coffee stations and relaxing spaces
• These amenities signaled that employee well-being is a priority.

New Perspectives on Microsoft

• The visit changed perceptions of Microsoft as being more than just a tech giant—it’s also creative, people-focused, and diverse in career options.
• Students were surprised to learn how global and flexible the company truly is.

Further Feedback from Scholars

“I thought it would be a small building with just a few basic things related to Microsoft, but it completely blew my expectations out of the water."

~ Tyler

"There was so much freedom to be creative and use your imagination. There’s space for ideas to grow. If we worked in a place like that, we’d wake up excited to go to work."

~ Nga

"When I think of Microsoft, I think of their software, windows, everything they're known for. But seeing all their creativity - I didn't know about the hackathon - they are more than their software and computers, they are people-focused."

~ Samuel

“I could definitely see myself working at a place like this. The environment, the atmosphere, the company’s vision—it all felt really positive. They seem super accommodating, and there’s a strong sense of community."

~ Milaydi

“I had a great experience at The Garage. It was a fun, interactive way for Microsoft to connect with NOVA and our program. We learned about their goals and collaborative approach through makerspace activities. The diverse environment made it easy to talk to people about their careers and experiences. I really enjoyed making the banners and cups—it was a memorable day.”

~ Jordan

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