Decoding Program Management at Microsoft: Landing the Job and What to Expect at AWC-PS October 21st Meeting October 21, 2009

The Association for Women in Computing, Puget Sound Chapter (AWC-PS) hosts Decoding Program Management at Microsoft: Landing the Job and What to Expect with Michael Surkan, a former IT manager and Lab Director at PC Week Labs, and former Program Manager in Microsoft’s Windows Division, Wednesday, October 21, at 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Mezza Café, 3rd floor, Starbuck’s Center

If you have ever wondered what it is like to be a program manager at Microsoft, this is your opportunity to find out. Michael Surkan will share his experiences as a program manager in the Windows division at Microsoft, talking about what it takes to deliver software products at one of the biggest software firms in the world. He will talk about what makes the program management role at Microsoft unique, and the challenges that PMs face. Michael will also discuss what Microsoft hiring managers look for in program managers, and the types of questions asked in interviews.

Michael Surkan has worked in IT for 20 years. He was an IT manager, and a lab director at PC Week Labs, conducting technology product reviews and analyses. Until July, Michael worked at Microsoft for 9 years working in product and program management. He was a program manager in the networking group of the Windows division, responsible for such technologies as the Windows Firewall and IPv6. Recently, Michael has been sharing what he has learned from his career on his blog and to groups. He is also conducting research on the long term impact the recession might have on the IT industry.

Meeting Specifics
Speaker Michael Surkan, independent consultant
Date Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Time 5:30pm-7:00pm: Registration, networking and dinner
7-8:30pm: Presentation, Q&A and networking

The Association for Women in Computing (AWC) is a national, nonprofit, professional organization for individuals with an interest in information technology. The purpose of the Puget Sound Chapter is to promote awareness of issues affecting women in the computing industry, further the professional development and advancement of women in computing, and encourage women to enter computing as a career.

Official Website: http://www.awcps.org