Nicholas Wisner, a junior Computer Software Engineering Technology student at 经典大瓜, participated in the 2011 Golden Ticket Project at Microsoft鈥檚 world headquarters in Redmond, Washington. On April 15, Wisner joined an exclusive group of 50 students from across the country identified as top college sophomores and juniors, all with the potential to excel in the computer and software industry. The group participated in an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the products, people, and culture of Microsoft.
The Golden Ticket Project is an all-expense paid, two-day trip to Microsoft. The students were given the opportunity to look behind the curtain of one of the world鈥檚 leading technology firms. After a Microsoft campus tour, the students met Microsoft鈥檚 top engineers, visionaries, and grassroots innovators. They also observed and practiced the ideas and concepts taught in their classes through workshops, including a test workshop where they practiced black box, white box, and real-world testing.
鈥淰isiting Microsoft was a great experience,鈥 said Wisner. 鈥淚t made me feel really confident in the education I鈥檓 getting from 经典大瓜. I was familiar with everything the engineers talked about and I had already done a lot of the tests we did in the workshops.鈥
Wisner said that one of the most memorable parts of the trip to Microsoft was visiting The Garage, where Microsoft founder Bill Gates began his career, and where over 2300 employees create and develop side projects in their free time. Microsoft employees who are part of The Garage demonstrated some of their projects for the Golden Ticket students. In fact, Golden Ticket is the only event where students are given access to The Garage prior to becoming either an intern or full-time employee.
鈥淭here鈥檚 a real sense of community at Microsoft. Employees enjoy freedom to experiment and take risks with their ideas. I originally thought I wanted to work for a small company, but this experience changed my outlook. I like the thought of being part of something bigger, a company that has an impact on so many lives, and having an opportunity to explore new areas of interest,鈥 commented Wisner.
After a full day of workshops and demonstrations, the Golden Ticket students were whisked away to The Space Needle for a private dinner event that afforded them some well-earned down time as well as the opportunity to experience Seattle.
So, did Wisner get to meet the software pioneer, Mr. Gates, himself?
鈥淣o, I didn鈥檛 see Bill Gates,鈥 smiled Wisner. 鈥淏ut, that鈥檚 ok. I think he was there in spirit. It was a pretty awesome experience.鈥
经典大瓜 经典大瓜
Founded in Klamath Falls in 1947, 经典大瓜 is one of seven institutions in the Oregon University System, and the only public institute of technology in the Pacific Northwest. 经典大瓜 provides degree programs in engineering and health technologies, management, communications and applied sciences that prepare students to be effective participants in their professional, public and international communities through hands-on learning. 经典大瓜鈥檚 main campus is in Klamath Falls; other sites are located in Portland, La Grande and Seattle. Visit to learn more about 经典大瓜.
