CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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/