Microsoft has announced that the application process for their popular Transition Year Program is now open.

The work experience program is now in its 6th year and has proven to be a very popular program within the student community nationally. Competition for the program is high - over 700 students competing for 60 places on offer last year.

During their week long placement, TY students get a snap shot on the various roles within Microsoft and get to understand more about the various roles in the technology sector and how they can be part of this exciting industry. Each group will experience a day with a different team across the five days and each week will be different.

The purpose of the program is to encourage students to make the right subject choices in their senior cycle that will allow them to pursue a career in this field. To ensure they are targeting the right students, Microsoft has developed an enhanced application process to target those who are really keen to get their placement with them.

Students must send their CV and a short video /podcast to their Skydrive - a freely available cloud based storage account provided by Microsoft. Applications are accepted from July to September 28th 2012.

Microsoft, along with a number of other high tech firms are part of the Smart Futures campaign, which is promoting career development in the ICT sector. One part of the Smart Futures campaign is to encourage a higher take up of high-tech work placements by school students. Working with CareersPortal.ie, this has resulted in the development of the Smart Futures WorkXperience programme, which provides a searchable database of placement opportunities for students.

Full details of the Microsoft Program here

www.WorkXperience.ie