OVER a hundred students at Bishopbriggs Academy gleaned top tips for career success at a specially organised masterclass with the vice=president of Microsoft today, Tuesday 8th November 2011.
Mr Bob McDowell, VP of the world-leading IT organisations was the keynote speaker at the masterclass, designed to inspire enterprise and innovation among third, fourth, fifth and sixth-year pupils studying computing, enterprise and business studies.
McDowell has spent the last 20 years working for Microsoft, latterly as vice-president responsible for helping Microsoft’s largest customers maximise their use of current Microsoft Office technologies to add business value to their organisations.
He revealed how technology has changed the landscape of today in terms of its impact on automisation, commerce and industry and what this means for career opportunities now and in the future.
Students also heard from representatives from The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) who provide a variety of support and funding options for 18-25 year-olds who want to start up or continue in business.
One such entrepreneur is Asif Ali who runs his own, luxury chauffeur drive firm, Palladium Executive Hire.
Glasgow-born, Asif Ali graduated from university in 2008 and while he had a choice of career opportunities, he decided that running his own business had more appeal.
Ali explained to students how PSYBT supported him, and how he has established a successful business catering for clients looking for top end of the market luxury chauffeur driven cars such as Rolls Royce Phantom, Bentley Flying Spur and Mercedes S Class for their wedding day, VIP transport, tours and airport collections.
Speaking at the masterclass, Bishopbriggs Academy head teacher, Gordon Moulsdale, said: “Students today are so at ease with information technology and they all have a strong desire to keep pace with innovative changing technology.
“Today’s masterclass seeks to harness that positive energy and demonstrate that changing technologies can also provide exciting career opportunities, whether you choose self employment or decide to work for a global organisation.
“Understanding what makes businesses successful, why enterprise skills are important, and having the opportunity to learn from the experiences of Bob McDowell and our other guests today, has been a tremendous source of inspiration for us all.”
Ends
Issued on behalf of PSYBT by Jen Nash, Panache Communications on t. 07971 466 220 e. jen@panachecommunications.co.uk . For further information please contact Jen Nash, or Margaret Gibson / Emma Fitzpatrick /Louise Moore of PSYBT on 0141 248 4999.
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Contact: Jen Nash
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