Around 20 students from various schools and institutions, who are currently pondering a career in IT, recently attended a YouthSpark Live event hosted by Microsoft Malta and Aiesec at the Microsoft Innovation Centre.
During this event, students actively participated in panel discussions, workshops, micro-mentoring sessions and inspiring talks. The event focused on three primary pillars namely Employment, Careers in Technology and Entrepreneurship with sessions that highlighted the importance of technology and how students can benefit from programmes and resources which will help them plan and build their future.
“Microsoft in Malta is aware that one of the key challenges that we are facing is that of making youths employable within the current job market. There exist many roles that need to be filled, however, youths need to make sure that they equip themselves with the necessary skills to be able to fill such roles,” said Adrianna Zammit, Microsoft Malta’s Country manager as she welcomed students to the event.
In her welcome address, Ms Zammit also commended the students present for their interest and for taking the active approach and attend to this educational and mentoring event. “The opportunities are all there and companies like Microsoft are investing a lot of resources in today’s students. We are putting a lot of effort into making technology and expertise available to all those who want to learn more and students should consider themselves very lucky to be able to come here and enjoy unlimited information and resources,” added Ms Zammit.
Joseph Woods, a Creative Thinking speaker at the event said that it was a pleasure and an inspiration to have played a part in this event. “Truth be told, the spark has also hit me and I came away full of ideas. It was an excellent event and I look forward to another opportunity to engage more youths in building up a great future.”
Student and event host, Niki Debono expressed her satisfaction at having been an active part of the YouthSpark event. “It truly was an incredible experience and I am eternally grateful for the opportunity.”
Elizabeth Pulo, panelist and Aiesec member said: “I feel that this event has broadened our horizons and knowledge on the opportunities that exist out there in the job market. I had always been intrigued by Microsoft, being a global organisation with offices in Malta, and had always wanted to meet the local employees. Through this event I had the opportunity to not only meet with the Microsoft Malta team but also learn through their experience what could help me land a job within a global organisation such as Microsoft.”
“As soon as Microsoft approached Aiesec to help them organise YouthSpark Live and bring the event to life, I knew it was going to leave a great impact on all those involved, being delegates, workshop partners as well as organisers. Today's competition in the market is increasing and opportunities like these are what makes a difference. I would keep on supporting such initiatives as I strongly believe in their output and the relevance that they have in our society. However, most of all because thanks to my current experiences being both of a full-time student as well as an Aiesec executive member I am able to compare and analyse how crucial it is for students to get involved and be exposed to such opportunities,” concluded AnnMarie Mangion from Aiesec.
“Today’s youths are faced with many opportunities which at the same time require them to make a number of important decisions,” added Angela Micallef, Microsoft Malta Citizenship manager who organised the event.
“This is why when we host these events, we are constantly joining forces with local industry leaders to provide the support required to these youths because we want to make sure that youths don’t miss out on opportunities. The YouthSpark Live event turned out to be a definitely great opportunity that should not have been missed and the students who attended came out enriched from this one-day experience,” concluded Ms Micallef.