SPP - Jobs Microsoft Application 2

As one of our spp aims is to apply for a job (mock) I thought that I would take this opportunity to apply for an actual job. Before Christmas I came across Microsoft when going to a careers fair.

My first thought before I saw this was that it was aimed at business students. But having a glimpse I saw the MACH scheme program. Applications were open for three sections: Marketing, Technical and Sales. With Technical including SQL Training, Web development and web design training the course sounds ideal. Below is how Microsoft describes the course:

Lasting two years, the MACH (Microsoft Academies for College Hires) programme balances work and training to provide the perfect link between academia and professional life. Put simply, MACH is your doorway into the world of Microsoft.

We designed it to support and develop graduates from some of the top colleges and universities around the world. MACH’s strength is that it enables you to do real work on major projects within a framework of support, assessment, and review…perfect for identifying and playing to your unique strengths. You can expect the chance to network with MACH graduates from across the globe and receive expert training and mentoring in your chosen specialism.

Training
To remain relevant and fresh in such a fast-moving industry, talent needs to grow and knowledge needs to diversify. That’s why we offer some of the best vocational training in the world.

In the first year, you’ll focus on core skills training to develop the personal and professional skills needed to establish yourself within the MACH community. In Year 2 you’ll focus on career development initiatives to help you manage your future career.

Core training includes:

* Microsoft Induction in Redmond, Washington (this can vary from 1 to 3 weeks, depending on your role)
* Two weeks’ professional skills training at a European location, including presentation skills and team learning and development
* MACH Global conference and Microsoft Global Exchange—a week’s global networking experience in the U.S.
* Virtual scenario-based training, enabling you to practice everything you’ve learnt
* Career strategy workshop and graduation

In addition, you can expect training tailored to help you succeed in your roles. While its exact nature will depend on your past experience and strengths, it can include:

Marketing
This programme will provide you with marketing fundamentals, exposing you to senior marketing leaders and a global network of marketers—all of whom have sound career advice to offer. Training includes two weeks in the U.S., one of which is spent at Kellogg in Chicago. We also fund CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) evening classes during Year 2.

Technical
Two weeks’ technical training will equip you with the specialist competencies needed to attain the relevant MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) qualification for your role. Training can include:

Developer (MCPD):

* Introduction to VB.Net
* SQL training
* Advance Web Development
* Web Design Training

System Administrator (MCSA):

* Implementing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network environment/infrastructure
* Installing and configuring the Windows Vista Operating System, applications, and tools
* Microsoft Exchange Server 2007: Installing, managing, messaging security

Sales
Working in a real sales role with client exposure from day one, you’ll receive all the training and tools you need to succeed. Mentors and managers with strong sales backgrounds will advise and help guide you through your first few years. Extra training can focus on:

* Microsoft Solutions Sales Process
* Spin-selling
* Shadowing experienced business managers
* Selling the Stack—Product training
* Selling to the Board—A three-day course that showcases the sales skills you’ve acquired to date in a challenging ‘live’ environment

After MACH
Once you complete MACH, you'll join the scheme’s alumni community—and will stay a member throughout your Microsoft career. Work-wise, you could head down a number of paths…but what’s certain is that you'll continue to be challenged and excited by the world of opportunity that’s on offer.

I have nearly finished the application form and hope to send it this weekend, a week before the deadline but I feel that I should work on my CV design now because looking at different jobs I think my CV needs a bit of a revamp.