Under the Patronage of H.E the Minister of ICT, Microsoft Celebrates Graduation of Third Group of Interns from Internship Program

Amman, August 17^th, 2008 - Under the Patronage of the Minister of Information and Communications Technology (MoICT) H.E. Eng. Basem Rousan, Microsoft celebrated the graduation of the third group of interns from Microsoft Internship Program on Thursday, August 14^th, 2008. With the graduation of the third group, the total number of interns who benefited from this program since its launch reached 50.

H.E Mr. Basem Rousan said that Microsoft Internship Program is a good example of the private-public partnership. He stated, "MoICT plays a major role in utilizing ICT to turn the country's economy into a knowledge based economy where employment depends on knowledge".

Rousan went on to say, "This national strategic goal could not be achieved without the private sector's support, which will positively reflect on the Ministry's various programs and initiatives at all levels".

Zeid Shubailat, Country Manager of Microsoft Jordan highlighted that the Microsoft Internship Program aims at creating job opportunities in the local ICT market in addition to supporting graduates with the required skills, expanding entrepreneurship, and assisting employers in finding qualified candidates. The 23 interns have been already employed at a number of the largest public and private sectors institutions including various official positions at MoICT, due to their high performance during the courses.

Shubailat also underlined that the selection of candidates was a joint effort between MoICT and Microsoft. Candidates, university students or recent graduates, were interviewed and the most suitable were selected and assigned to the different departments according to their specializations. This internship gave a unique opportunity for candidates to integrate their academic studies with work experience at MoICT, receiving training on several areas that they need to develop further. Through the one-year work experience of different working environments and tasks, graduates were able to develop the wider skills needed in the labor market. He also said that Microsoft is expected to duplicate the program next year.

At the graduation ceremony the interns presented five group projects, which represented what they learned during the internship program. At the end of the ceremony, winners were selected and presented with prizes, and all interns received a certificate for their participation in the internship.

The first round of the program was launched in 2004 and consisted of 12 candidates from different specialties, mainly IT and Engineering. The second round took place in 2005 and consisted of 15 candidates.

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