Microsoft says the PIC will be at the forefront of dialogue around how to embrace Digital Transformation. Also the role Artificial Intelligence can play to help the region thrive within the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The center will bring together stakeholders to develop innovative policy dialogue across various industries.
Lillian Barnard, General Manager Microsoft South Africa gave the welcome address at Future Africa Campus event. She said; “We are proud to partner with the University of Pretoria and the Department of Science and Technology to drive conversation around the different policies to help protect all users“.
Dr. Phil Mjwara, South Africa’s Director-General of Science and Technology gave the keynote address during the launch event. He said “One of the key roles of government is to create a climate in which individuals, businesses and other social institutions could thrive. This includes creating an enabling legislative, policy or regulatory framework for the development of new innovative technologies and services“.
Mike Yeh General Counsel, Microsoft, during the opening ceremony of the Policy Innovation Center said Microsoft always approached technology holistically.
He said “At Microsoft we have been talking for some years about the democratization of technology. How do we ensure that as the world advances and advanced technology becomes incorporated in everyday lives, that everyone is able to benefit? There is clearly a need and opportunity to figure out how to modernise those regulations in a way that is responsible. Bouncing out the potential benefits of technology, ensuring that the data remains private and that customers can control that data
We see many opportunities and challenges on how to get the regulatory environment correct. We look forward to working with the University of Pretoria and government to really bring people together. To drive the conversation and ultimately find the solutions to ensure that technology is used fairly and for good”.
Microsoft is on a quest to recruit students from University of Pretoria into software engineering roles
The initiative dubbed Africa to Redmond is set to take place in selected Universities across the continent. Part of an ongoing effort to recruit students from Africa into full time engineering roles at Microsoft. This is part of Microsoft’s plan to showcase the talent pool in Africa.
The second iteration of this program. Selected universities will be participating in this graduate role initiative..
The recruitment process is going to be in three phases. An online Coding challenge, Phone and In-person Interview. Starting with an online coding challenge for final year students. A panel of Judges will review the entries and selected applicants will be scheduled for an a phone-in interview. Selected candidates from the second stage will have an in-person interview. A successful candidate from the three steps will join Microsoft for a full time position. The candidate will be assigned to an engineering team once they accept the offer.
Here are some details about the University of Pretoria graduate role.
Africa to Redmond Software Engineering – Graduate Role / Applicants from University of Pretoria Only
Description:
Do complex problems make you thrive? You are intellectually curious and love to innovate and collaborate?
If so, join Microsoft to envision, create and build the solutions and tools of the future. Together, let’s empower billions.
What do Software Engineers do at Microsoft?
Software engineers (SWEs) collaborate with a committed team to design, develop and test the next generation of technology solutions for millions of people. This is where grassroots innovation and large-scale engineering coexist. The environment can lead to some fascinating stories!
Responsibilities:
As a Software engineer (SWE) at Microsoft, you will work in a team with other SWEs and program managers to solve problems and build innovative software solutions. You must be customer-obsessed and display a drive for quality.
Are dedicated to building software to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
You will also be expected to demonstrate an ability to learn and adopt relevant new technologies, tools, methods and processes to leverage in your solutions.
Qualifications
· Currently pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree in engineering, computer science or related field.
· A year or two of experience in object-oriented programming languages such as C++,C#, Java or other programming languages.
· Understanding of algorithms, data structures and other systems architecture factors that affect code quality, performance and customer experience
· Some experience building software outside of the classroom environment like an internship, hackathon, research project or related experience preferred
· Ability to work in a team and effective time management
Are you a student of University of Pretoria, South Africa? Click here to apply. Don’t forget application deadline is August 7th. All the best and come share your experience and journey with us.
