Based on Microsoft’s
success with the Parker
Dewey Micro-Internship program, the companies announced that
Microsoft will expand the program, which connects highly motivated
college students and recent graduates with Microsoft projects via the
Micro-Internship platform. Micro-Internships – or short-term,
professional, paid roles – support Microsoft’s human capital efforts by
complementing the company’s existing internship, recruiting, diversity,
and new hire programs.
“While my initial need was support on a specific assignment, I quickly
realized that this was a great way to identify high-potential talent,”
said Adam Hecktman, Microsoft’s Director of Technology and Civic
Innovation for Chicago. “And given Microsoft’s focus on workforce
development, we recognize the importance and value of looking beyond
degree and GPA to find candidates with the right skills and ability to
learn – this helps us do that.”
Microsoft’s investment in the Micro-Internship program is a testament to
the company’s commitment to diversity and recruiting top talent
regardless of background or academic pedigree. Micro-Internships offer a
pathway for students who don’t come from traditional schools and majors.
They give companies and students an opportunity to mutually assess fit
prior to committing to internships or full-time roles.
“When Microsoft developed the 365 Freelance Toolkit, it wasn’t because
we believed freelancing would replace jobs,” said Matt Mottola, Project
Manager for Microsoft’s Future of Work and On-Demand Talent Platform.
“As we’ve seen through our work with Parker Dewey, freelancing can
create potential pools of talent for professional roles. These tools
make it easier for busy professionals and college freelancers to
collaborate and build relationships, potentially leading to hiring and
retention outcomes.”
“What’s great about this partnership is that it aligns to Microsoft’s
recognition of the importance of 21st century skills,” said
Parker Dewey CEO Jeffrey Moss. “College students working on
Micro-Internships can demonstrate these capabilities, including core
skills such as grit, communication, and problem solving honed in the
college classroom.”
The Parker Dewey Micro-Internship program can help Microsoft:
-
Access broader talent pools by looking beyond its target
schools, GPAs, and majors to recruit from a broader range of schools. -
Support diversity efforts by enabling access to an expanded
pool of college students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds
and programs. -
Increase awareness and conversion, allowing Microsoft to gain
early access to college students and providing insights into career
pathways for early career professionals.
For more information on Parker Dewey and Micro-Internships, please visit www.parkerdewey.com.
In addition, Microsoft and Parker Dewey will be presenting at the annual National
Association of Colleges & Employers Conference on June 5 at 2:00.
About Parker Dewey
Parker Dewey, the largest freelance platform for college students and
recent graduates, helps companies secure immediate support on
short-term, professional assignments through Micro-Internships. Beyond
immediate support on tasks that may otherwise be neglected or completed
by employees whose time is better spent elsewhere, Micro-Internships
support the campus recruiting efforts of companies. Specifically, these
projects provide organizations early access to a diverse candidate base,
support brand building on campus, and provide a way for companies and
college students to mutually assess fit. For Career Launchers, Parker
Dewey offers the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, explore
careers, develop their networks, and generate income as they seek
internships and full-time roles. Academic institutions also benefit from
insights to enhance relationships with employers, effectively engage
alumni and professors as mentors, and drive academic and career outcomes
for students and recent graduates. https://www.parkerdewey.com/
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