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As an intern at Microsoft, I’m lucky enough to work in an organisation that inspires us all to achieve more – not only in business but within the community too. Because they’re so passionate about this, part of my internship includes a ‘stretch project’. This is a project where we look for ways we can use our passion, skills, and knowledge to positively impact society.<\/p>\n
The first step of starting a stretch project is to identify who you are and what kind of person you\u2019d like to become. No stretch projects are bad by nature, nor any of them perfect by design. The most important thing is that most of them are empty vessels, moulded into something positive by your team. This gives room for you to make the change you\u2019d like to see, step by step, and to begin flexing your leadership, collaboration skills, and creativity.<\/p>\n
As part of Generation Z, I grew up alongside technology so working for Microsoft was an easy decision. But I have always been distinctly aware that not everyone gets to go on this same journey. Alongside a few others, we started Tech Pathways to ensure everyone can.<\/p>\n
Tech Pathways is our stretch project. Our group of Microsoft interns work with young people to drive change. We help show that a career in technology is for everyone.<\/p>\n
Our mantra is \u2018bridge the gap<\/strong>‘. We want to ensure no one is left behind as the world embarks on a digital journey. This journey is as new to us\u2014Generation Z\u2014as it is to industry leads and those propelling this paradigm shift.<\/p>\n As I mentioned, the problem is that not everybody is invited on this digital journey. We have many fully capable young people who are seldom given the opportunity due to individual differences, including:<\/p>\n As society begins to move forward and we rely more on digital technologies, it is important that we both personally and corporately give equal opportunity to all young people. We need to give them the confidence to adapt, rethink, and consider technology as a suitable industry to grow their skills and begin excelling in.<\/p>\n 60 percent of future jobs haven’t been created yet. We should not underestimate the technology shift that is currently happening and how this might affect millions nationally. Nor should we underestimate how intimidating a corporate environment might be for someone who has never been in one.<\/p>\n Our aim is to turn young people\u2019s notions of thinking a career in tech isn\u2019t for them into something that\u2019s possible – and exciting.<\/p>\n We run events through UK. They all have a fast-paced and action-packed agenda. It also includes plenty of chances for people to get hands-on with new technology. It keeps them (and us) as engaged as possible.<\/p>\n In past events, we\u2019ve even held debates and product pitches that require creating inventive solutions. It\u2019s plenty of fun, and that\u2019s the point \u2013 a career in tech can be creative and exciting and we want to showcase this.<\/p>\n For those who are unable to visit us in person, we also use Microsoft social pages to livestream events. We aim to keep these as informal as possible, usually having a fireside chat about early-in-career routes or discussing technology myths.<\/p>\n One recent event saw a mixture of 16\u201324-year-olds enter our doors to learn all about apprenticeships. The idea of the day was not to only talk about Microsoft apprenticeships, but to speak objectively and remind young people that this career route is possible. In fact, it can be an even more effective route than university. The day included sessions on digital identity, a talk by Microsoft UK’s apprenticeship lead, experimenting with the HoloLens, and learning about the new digital revolution.<\/p>\n As a team, it’s important that we remind ourselves why we enjoy doing our work so much. It\u2019s importance that young people find fulfilment in their work and, more importantly at their age, can envisage themselves enjoying work. Since I joined, I\u2019ve enjoyed trying my hand at completely different roles within Microsoft. Everyone should be able to feel this way.<\/p>\n We live in a world where those who need help are often the hardest to get in contact with. My advice for anyone joining this team or any form of initiative would be to think creatively and try out some unique ways to drive the outcomes you are looking for.<\/p>\n\n
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<\/p>\nHow we drive change<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nWould I have done anything different?<\/h2>\n
![\"Jake](\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-gb\/industry\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2019\/05\/jake-barry-2-150x150.jpg\")
About the author<\/h2>\n