Collaboration

“If we can get students exposed to Microsoft Dynamics during their college careers, they are more likely to
choose Microsoft Dynamics-related careers and are also easier to train, making their billable time happen faster,”
explains Katie.
GET TO KNOW THE FACULTY
Once a connection is made, getting to know the faculty’s needs and goals is next. Faculty are interested in their
students’ success. Partners need to consider how their organization’s knowledge and talent can add to the classroom
experience, in addition to providing future job opportunities to the students.
“We find that these relationships work best when they are mutually beneficial to both the school and the Partner,”
Katie says. “And, no two relationships are alike.”
Partners can participate in a variety of activities that contribute to student success, including providing technical
expertise to faculty setting up their systems, advising on current industry needs, and contributing to curriculum
development.
One of the most effective ways for Partners to get to know the best students is to get in the classroom themselves.
Partners can offer to speak to classes about career opportunities or as subject matter experts.
“We have several Partners that teach entire classes at their local universities,” explains Katie. “In this instance,
they get to know the students directly and know their abilities before the recruiting process begins.”
START AN INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Another great way to get to know the best students and attract them to your organization is to start an internship
program. Interns can add value and energy to your organization at a low cost. Consider working with your academic
contacts to set up a program for college credit so that it adds to students’ transcripts.
“Internships are a great way to observe the student before making a long-term commitment in order to find the
best fit,” Katie says. “Interns are also likely to want to stay with an employer after an internship ends, making for a
short and successful recruiting process.”
If offering a full internship is not an option for your organization, consider offering job shadowing and mentorship
opportunities through your school contacts.
“The more students understand what careers in the Microsoft Dynamics channel look like, the more they’re likely
to choose that path,” explains Katie.
CONNECT WITH COLLEGE CAREER OFFICES
At the most basic level, casting your net by connecting with your local colleges’ career offices is a simple way to
begin attracting college graduates. Most college career offices maintain a job and internship posting board that you
can leverage. These career offices can also help you participate in campus career fairs and related campus events.
“In the end, it’s all about getting connected in your community,” concludes Katie. “Your efforts will help build
your brand in the region, increase the visibility of Microsoft Dynamics, and influence future business decision
makers.”
The Microsoft Dynamics Academic Alliance provides free software and support to educational institutions who
want to use Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM software in their curriculum. The Academic Alliance also cultivates
and supports relationships between member institutions and Microsoft Dynamics Partners and customers to
connect businesses with students interested in pursuing Microsoft Dynamics–related careers. To learn more, visit
www.microsoft.com/dynamicsaa or email Dynaa@microsoft.com.
46 FALL 2015 | THEPARTNERCHANNEL.COM