Microsoft Certified Trainers Summit Africa 2017 Lagos, Nigeria

Microsoft Certified Trainers Summit Africa 2017 Lagos, Nigeria

The 2017 Microsoft Certified Trainers Summit Africa meet up is scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria

 2017 Lagos

Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) events are the best opportunities to interact with other trainers. You can learn a new technical skill, teach a specific course or technology. You can also learn how to become a better trainer. 

MCT events are a great opportunity for MCT’s to interact and engage directly with Microsoft. Come learn about the future of Microsoft learning, the MCT Program, teach a specific technology or improve your trainer skills. 

Last years event took place in Ghana. This years MCT summit is happening in Lagos, Nigeria from the 7th to the 9th of December. Register for the event or find out more about the event.  AT MCT summits you can also participate in an IAMCT ATT (Approved Technical Trainer) course and examination. 

The MCT Summit is a community event organized and produced by a team of MCT’s for their peers. Open to MCT’s & Professionals, IT Trainers, Students and all Individuals with a passion for Microsoft operating system, technologies  and solutions. The event will feature a host of speakers who are versatile in their knowledge of the subjects. 

The final day is a fun trip as usual. This years will see participants visit the Olumo Rock at Abeokuta, Ogun State .

Have you previously attended an MCT summit or heading to this one? Share your thoughts with us. 

 

 

Win more than $200,000 in the 2017 Dream Build Play Challenge

Win more than $200,000 in the 2017 Dream Build Play Challenge

Are you a developer, creator, innovator or more specifically game maker? Participate in the Microsoft Dream Build and Play 2017 Challenge and you could win more than $200,000 in prizes. 

dream build play

Build Dream Play challenge is an indie game development contest which is open to all developers. You can either work alone or in a group of seven team members. There are four game categories. It doesn’t matter what tech you use in the development process. What matter is publishing your games as  a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) game. The challenge is powered by Windows, Azure and Xbox. 

Challenge is pushing game makers to maximize their creativity and create experiences that engage gamers from across the world. 

Dream Build Play categories and Prize amounts; 

  • Cloud-powered game  – Grand Prize: $100,000 USD 
  • PC game                     – Grand Prize: $50,000 USD 
  •  Mixed Reality game   – Grand Prize: $50,000 USD 
  • Console game            – Grand Prize: $25,000 USD 

There’s also another feature prize of $5,000 USD. The Developer Diary Contest, if you document and share your game building journey. 

The contest is already opened. Here are some key dates to note:

  • June 27: Competition opens for registration
  • August 2: Team formation and game submission period opens
  • December 31: Game submission period closes
  • January 2018: Finalists announced
  • March 2018: Winners awarded 

Register for the challenge and don’t forget to read the rules and conditions of the contest. Visit contest page

What’s more? You can search the Dream Build Play community and engage with innovators and game makers from across the globe. 

If you have no development skills but what to use this opportunity to start. Get started with UWP game development  Game Development Guide.

South Africa Internship Opportunities, Microsoft Middle East and Africa

South Africa Internship Opportunities, Microsoft Middle East and Africa

Are you in South Africa? Do you have a genuine passion and curiosity about technology? Are you a creative thinker and desire to work hard alongside some of the greatest minds? This is for you. 

south africa

Microsoft Middle East and Africa internship program is asking you to apply if you fit the description above. The internship program offers young enthusiastic people an exciting experience with Microsoft. Applying learnt knowledge, learning and developing new skill sets on the job. 

The offers vary from 6 months to a year.  You will on real projects and collaborate and learn from your colleagues. Microsoft says; 

As we continue to evolve, the opportunities for you to stretch your existing skills, develop and discover new ones will only grow.
Your thoughts, ideas and experiences will all be welcomed, valued and rewarded. You will benefit from being part of a business that’s changing the way the world works, lives, plays and learns.
We’ll give you real responsibilities on real-world projects. Projects that will touch people’s lives across the globe. You’ll also get access to a host of training programs and a worldwide network of colleagues and industry experts. All of which will allow you to take your career in whatever direction you choose.

Marketing, HR and Technology Internship opportunities in South Africa 

There are three categories of opportunities available to apply to.  Opportunities in Marketing, Human Resource Associate and Technology Specialist Intern. Read on for the requirements and click to apply. 

Marketing Internship 

Description:

  • What we offer you?
     
    MEA internship program (Length of internship: 8 months)
     Marketing Intern
    • We strive to grow the next generation of Microsoft leaders by providing a best-in-class internship experience for students and fresh graduates.
    • Through our program, you will be empowered to orient to the Microsoft environment, grow skills to support professional success, and accelerate your ability to have strategic impact for the company and our customers.  
    • Microsoft internship roles in Marketing
     
    • Minimum Qualifications:
    • On track to complete (part-time/full time) or within one year of graduation from undergraduate studies with full time commitment to the program
    • With a background in marketing and technology (Bachelor of Marketing)
    • Passion for people, technology, exceptional interpersonal skills and fast learner
    • Knowledge of digital marketing and social media platforms
    • English language & local language fluency
     
    MEA internship program experience:
    Some highlights of your experience will include:
    • On-boarding experience
    • Regular performance reviews
    • Personal development programme (technical, soft skills and Microsoft specific training)
    • Organised Intern community events
    • Access to latest Microsoft technology and solutions
    • Graduation kit and internship certificate

Apply for the Marketing Internship

 

HR Internship, South Africa  

Description:

  • The Microsoft West East & Central Africa (WECA) HR team provides strategic, operational and support services for Microsoft HR programs, with primary areas of focus including customer support services, core HR operations (HR data administration, onboarding, leave administration, staffing, learning & development, etc.), business process optimization, HR online solutions, and project management. The effectiveness of WECA HR is critical to ensure consistent employee and manager experiences company wide.   
    The HR Associate is a member of the WECA HR team and plays a key role in the delivery of high quality HR Services and Support to business leaders, managers and employees, as well as to the HR Community.
    The HR Associate plays a crucial role in supporting WECA HR team by coordinating project based activities and initiatives across wide range of countries with HR Operations Support team.  The Associate reports through the WECA HR team, and is responsible for all aspects of HR generalist work.. To be successful in this role, the individual in this position will need to excel at: operational execution, customer service, customer advocacy, analytical problem solving, communications, continuous improvement, cross boundary collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Strong co-operation and collaboration within HR Operations and HR Stakeholders it critical.
    Key Accountabilities:
    • Working in a highly data sensitive environment, responsible for protecting Data Privacy at all time and adhering to confidentiality requirements to promote zero breach of compliance policies
    • Recommend solutions to process failings and contribute to the continuous improvement process
    • Maintain up-to-date Knowledge Base content on policies, procedures & FAQs and share the gained knowledge and experience individually with Area HR Ops team
    • Continuously strive to improve Employee Experience and minimize complaints on the delivery of HR Services & Support
    • Demonstrates time-management and organizes resources to complete projects on time, to specification, and at the expected quality
    • Demonstrates preparedness, institutes measurement strategies, and responds to project-related problems
    • Communicates regularly with project stakeholders to gain alignment and present business impact
    Skills and Qualifications
    • Ability to develop and maintain view on E2E HR processes and service delivery
    • Good English communication skills – both written and verbal (Arabic or French language knowledge is an added advantage)
    • Ability to maintain highly confidential and sensitive information
    • Ability to make decisions that impact customer service levels with a sense of urgency
    • Ability to work effectively in a team and willingness to help others
    • Candidate must be able to work under pressure and within short time constraints
    • Knowledge and proficiency in MS Office Applications
    • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience strongly preferred
    • Highly collaborative
    • Administrative, Project or Customer Services experience will be an added advantage
    Education and Experience
    Education Level Required
    Bachelor’s degree preferred  
    HR/Psychology  Honours (part-time) Masters level 
    Years of Experience Required
    1+ years of relevant work experience (part-time okay)
     

Apply for the HR Internship

 

Technology Internship, South Africa

Description:

  •  Technical Specialist Internship
    It’s a new era at Microsoft, over the past year we’ve shifted our focus to devices and services, enabling us to act faster to changes in the market. And we’ve embraced a joined-up way of working, one that gives our customers a unified experience, no matter who they talk to or what products they use.
    As we continue to evolve, the opportunities for you to stretch your existing skills – and develop and discover new ones – will only grow. Your thoughts, ideas and experiences will all be welcomed, valued and rewarded. And you’ll also benefit from being part of a business that’s changing the way the world works, lives, plays and learns.
    We’ll give you real responsibilities on real-world projects. Projects that will touch people’s lives across the globe. You’ll also get access to a host of training programmes and a worldwide network of colleagues and industry experts. All of which will allow you to take your career in whatever direction you choose.
    WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR?
    At Microsoft, we look for highly energetic people with initiative and drive; people who are smart and practical in their area of expertise. Our current interns came from a variety of tertiary disciplines including Sales and IT. While grades are important, the most important attributes we look for in an intern are genuine passion and curiosity about technology, creative thinking and the desire to work hard alongside some of the greatest minds in the industry.
    WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU??
    This programme is designed to give the new graduates the opportunity to use their skills and knowledge to make a valuable contribution to our business whilst developing employability skills and gaining a hands on experience, you could spend your time as an intern working on any number of projects in addition to your day-to-day role. You’ll have the opportunity to get involved in a number of events, work on projects that will test your limits and maximize your skills, and gain the knowledge and insight you need to build a successful career. All our Interns will receive a monthly salary and on top of this gain an opportunity to apply for full time jobs and apply for our MACH program.
    WHAT IS THE DURATION OF INTERNSHIPS?
     Our internships generally last over a period of 9 – 12 months on a full-time basis.
    WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED?
    Whoever you are, whatever you’re studying – you could make it at Microsoft. Our people come from all walks of life, but all have similar qualities. They’re passionate about the technology industry, hungry to learn and full of potential. We have a broad range of opportunities across our business including technical and non-technical roles and we welcome applications from fresh graduates majoring in Computer Science- IT- MIS /B. Tech, Engineering or any Business Degrees and if you are meeting the qualifications below:
    – Recently graduated from University with Bachelor Degree.
    – Have excellent verbal and written English and communication skills.
    – Passionate about the IT industry and the success of Microsoft.
    HOW IT ALL WORKS:
    We want the application process for our Intern programmes to be simple yet thorough. the selected applicants will go through several different stages, and each stage will become a little more challenging, so that we can identify the people who really stand out and to identify whether you have the strengths and capabilities that we are looking for in our Interns or Graduates. During the interview and application process we may seek for further clarification on information provided to us on the application form in later stage.
    We get several applications each year, so take time to consider why we should hire you. Before submitting your application, form consider why you want to work for us, what you are passionate about, what you are good at, and how you can really make a difference to our business. If you’re still eager to create a more exciting future, we are welcoming you to join unforgettable learning journey with Microsoft team. 
     

Apply for the Technology Internship 

Excited about this? Give it a shot and let us know what you think about the offers.  

 

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update will be available worldwide on October 17

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update will be available worldwide on October 17

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, the next update to Microsoft’s Windows 10 OS will be available 17th October.

Windows 10 fall

Microsoft will be rolling out the fourth update to Windows 10 with the Fall Creators Update on 17th October 2017. The update is feature rich than the previously rolled out Creators update in April this year. Microsoft Windows and Devices Group Chief Terry Myerson says “We are coming up on our fourth major update to Windows 10, and our mission with these updates is to create a platform that inspires your creativity”.

our mission with these updates is to create a platform that inspires your creativity

We learn’t from Build this year some features coming in the Fall creators Update. These include; better Windows Inking capabilities, a new outlook and feel of the OS with Microsoft fluent design system. Story re-mix app. Changes coming in the video and photo’s app. Windows Mixed Reality and the availability of a variety of headsets that will also start shipping on October 17th. 

If you are signed up for the Windows Insider preview program, then chances are you’ve been using these features for a while. 

Check out and know the coming Windows 10 Fall Creators features as announced at Build 2017

mDEX by AfriGal Tech, a Microsoft #MakeWhatsNext Patent Program participant, in Patent Pending status

mDEX by AfriGal Tech, a Microsoft #MakeWhatsNext Patent Program participant, in Patent Pending status

mDex a health solution by AfriGal Technologies a 2016 Microsoft #MakeWhatsNext Patent Program participant is in the patent pending status.

AfriGal Tech

#MakeWhatsNext Patent Program is a Microsoft initiative to support and mentor female inventors protect their ideas and further their innovations. Of all patents worldwide currently, only 7.5% are by women. The #MakeWhatsNext Patent Program is Microsoft’s way of trying to do something about it. 

Microsoft announced four innovators including mDEX by AfriGal Tech from Uganda for the first cohort of the initiative. The Selected inventors have ideas focused on making a change in their local communities and the world. Microsoft says; 

A generation without sickle cell disease could start here. We’re proud to help women patent and protect great ideas. Today, their inventions are Patent Pending”.

Hopefully the patent gets granted.

mDex is a mobile sickle cell diagnostic tool. It uses the power of  a smart phone to take blood slide pictures and have them analyzed to detect the presence of  sickle cells.

In Uganda, 30,000 babies are born with sickle cell anemia each year. Of those children, 80% will die before the age of five. AfriGal Tech is a group of female technologists from Uganda hoping to change that. 

Some benefits of the initiative includes having Microsoft’s patent law team help you through your patent application process. Microsoft’s patent lawyers vet all prospective teams’ ideas to ensure their inventions are patent-eligible. The lawyers advise teams on how and what to document in order to protect ideas and create a thorough application. All legal expertise and application fees are covered pro bono by Microsoft’s patent law department. 

Learn more about mDex and the AfriGal Tech team from #MakeWhatsNext page. Check out the AfriGal Technologies page and follow their innovations.