IT Industry Opens its Doors to Students

IT Industry Opens its Doors to Students

Opportunities to meet IT employers and preview latest Microsoft technology at Student Day 2007: Tertiary students are invited to register for Microsoft Tech∙Ed Student Day 2007, the popular free IT student event held by Microsoft in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

The day offers an exclusive preview of the latest Microsoft products and technical demonstrations from leaders in the IT industry.  Students can get a first look at graduate jobs for 2008, meet IT employers to find out what they are looking for in graduates and take part in an "Ask the Industry" interactive panel.

Sean McBreen, Microsoft New Zealand's Developer & Platform Strategy Group Director says that Microsoft Tech∙Ed Student Day offers an interactive insight into the IT industry.

"On the day, you will be inspired by the latest innovations and trends in technology from leading IT organisations including Microsoft.  For those of you who are graduating soon, come and discover future career opportunities and ask the questions you want answered.  Student Day is one of a number of activities Microsoft is involved in to build excitement about careers in IT.  Other initiatives for students and school children include the Imagine Cup software design competition, the TVNZ NetGuide challenge and Go Girl, Go IT."

Microsoft Student Day 2007 will be held in the three main centres:

* Auckland, Sky City Convention Centre, 16 August, 10am - 6pm

* Wellington, Massey University - Museum Building, 7 September, 1pm - 6pm

* Christchurch, The University of Canterbury - S1, 14 September, 1pm - 6pm

Microsoft Student Day is the largest IT student event in New Zealand and is expected to attract more than 1200 students studying at all levels of Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Information Management and Information Technology. 

McBreen comments: "Demand for skilled workers in the IT industry keeps going up but fewer students are registering for IT courses at university.  A study at the University of Canterbury shows we are going to have a shortfall of between 20,000 and 30,000 IT professionals in the next few years.  There is a perception that IT is a dead end career, but we aim to show students that IT is an innovative and vibrant industry with great opportunities for career progression, a huge range of jobs and a very competitive salary."

To register go to www.microsoft.co.nz/studentday.  Please remember to bring your student ID to gain entry.  

Microsoft's Efforts to Help Boost ICT Skills:

Microsoft recognises that a decline in the number of students enrolling in IT courses coupled with skills shortages already seen in the market, will significantly constrain the growth of New Zealand's economy.  Microsoft is strongly focused on developing ICT skills and improving ICT education at all levels in New Zealand.

In addition to the Tech∙Ed Student Day 2007, Microsoft is involved in:

* Go Girl, Go IT! - a quarterly one day event where female school students visit Microsoft, HP and Vodafone to inspire them and provide them with an understanding of ICT opportunities.

* The TVNZ NetGuide Schools Web Challenge - an initiative to stimulate further technology interest among primary and secondary school students by creating websites.  Microsoft is holding seminars for teachers to up-skill on the latest web development tools.

* The Imagine Cup - an international software design competition for tertiary students.  The winning team is sponsored to compete in the worldwide finals in Seoul, Korea.

ENDS 

About Microsoft: Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

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