Microsoft
Microsoft has rolled out career and product management programmes in a bid to equip university students pursuing technology courses with the skills and experience to excel in the evolving tech-world.
The Microsoft ADC Education Engagement Lead Ms Irene Githinji said through partnerships with universities, they are holding campus tours to sensitise the students on the opportunities in the sector and the need to seize them to excel.
Speaking during a tour at Zetech University Juja Campus yesterday, Ms Githinji said other than the career programmes and sensitization talks, the company has also been providing internship and employment opportunities to students to give them hands on experience in a professional setting.
“As an industry, we are partnering with the academia to sensitize university students on the many opportunities in the tech-sector. We understand several students are now taking up tech courses and they need to be empowered to know the opportunities that lie in this sector. Take them up, learn and grow,” she said.
She highlighted the growing demand for product management as a career path and encouraged students to consider this field, explaining that it combines technical knowledge with business acumen, making it an exciting and rewarding option.
She at the same time strongly recommended students to pursue courses in software engineering, noting that they not only provide a solid foundation in coding and development but also significantly enhance employability in the competitive job market.
Zetech University students participate in Microsoft Campus tour that seeks to guide them in career choice
“These campus tours are part of Microsoft’s broader commitment in nurturing the next generation of tech leaders. By offering these resources and guidance, Microsoft aims to help students build successful careers and contribute meaningfully to the tech industry,” she said.
Zetech University Dean, School of ICT, Media and Engineering Dr Wilfred Gikaru highlighted a shift towards a more skill-oriented approach in the job market which has forced many universities to shift towards offering tech related courses. He said the University has been partnering with tech industry players to provide linkages, internship and employment opportunities to their students as well as sensitization on choosing career paths.
Dr Gikaru also noted that the University has been making significant strides in technology, adding that while in the past, students had to actively seek out opportunities in the industry, now the industry is seeking them out. Students who took part in the forum led by Prudence Kendi and Emma Ndanu said the tour has helped them in career development and understanding the many opportunities in the tech industry.
They called on other industry players to partner with the academia in providing internship and employment opportunity to students pursuing courses in the tech industry. The students at the same time voiced concerns about the slower adoption of the course among female students.