Microsoft Gen ’05 student event tour hits Southampton

Southampton, Hampshire, UK – March 9th, 2005 – The latest of Microsoft’s Gen ’05 student technology roadshows comes to town at the University of Southampton on Wednesday March 9th. With hundreds of students expected to attend from colleges and universities across Hampshire, the roadshow gives students interested in technology the opportunity to see a multitude of new products and technologies in action and to find out how their interest can contribute to an exciting career, whatever their professional ambitions.

Open between 1000hrs and 1730hrs at the University of Southampton’s West Refectory, West Building, this interactive event will include hands on demonstrations of different technologies and devices including Microsoft® mobile, gaming and developer tools and technologies, a series of presentations and the chance to speak with Microsoft staff about their experiences of working for different areas of the company. Students attending will also have the chance to win prizes including a limited edition Crystal Xbox® and a Windows® Media Center.

Caroline Phillips of Microsoft’s Academia team said “The Gen ’05 tour is a key component of the Microsoft Academic Initiative and gives students a chance to see what Microsoft and technology are all about, as well as see how technology is going to be a big part of their personal lives and careers, whatever they do. Technology has a huge role to play in helping people realise their full potential, and this is even more important during their education.”

Eric Cooke, School Senior Tutor in the School of Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton, said, “I would like to say to all students – your career will be greatly affected by the technologies presented and discussed at Gen '05. It is an exciting event at which you will get to see the latest business and gaming technologies and discuss them with people from Microsoft and the University of Southampton. This is a fun opportunity for you to think about how technology will get into every aspect of your life: professional, personal and creative. Turn up and join in!”

Sarah Deane, a Microsoft Student Partner and student at the University of Southampton, added "Gen '05 gives students from all academic backgrounds the chance to see cutting edge technology and talk with Microsoft and University representatives about why it is important to their career. It's a fun and interesting day, with lots of chances to play with the latest and best technology, as well as opportunities to ask the Microsoft team questions.”