The Career Week Twitter Chat was well received, thank you to those of you who asked questions of intern Vlad Zaharia, Microsoft Developer Evangelist Patric Boscolo and Israel Arribas. For those of you who missed the chat, we’ve highlighted the top career Q&A below and included resources. If you have any more questions there a couple of different avenues you can take in order to get an answer:

• Message us in the comments below this blog
• Post your question on Facebook on the Microsoft Student Experience page
• Tweet your question to @MS_Student on Twitter

What are the steps to becoming a software developer?

Have lots of passion & drive, get involved with local tech clubs, and apply for a position here: http://bit.ly/XrbWLi.

What are the requirements to become an employee of Microsoft?

Each position has different requirements but you can learn about them here: http://bit.ly/IDdvk1.

How do I contact a recruiter to learn about opportunities at Microsoft?

You can reach out directly by finding a recruiter or recruiting events in your geographic area. Learn about it here: http://bit.ly/Zh0swk.

What kind of computer engineering opportunities does Microsoft offer?

There are lots of opportunities available in engineering & business roles. See http://bit.ly/T5E7eI for more info.

What do you like most about working for Microsoft?

I would say flexibility, being able to work from home and the Microsoft workers make Microsoft a great workplace.

I want to learn how to develop apps, how do I begin?

Hi, there is a lot of content Windows 8 http://bit.ly/Si6GCg and Windows Phone http://bit.ly/p303vU. 

What made you want to work in the technology industry?

Vlad: It’s a fun but challenging field to be in. Lots of great problems to solve, and the people in it are fantastic!

Patric: Creating software and work with inspiring people.

What if my campus doesn’t offer any recruitment events? How do I get in touch with a Microsoft recruiter then?

Find out who your country’s recruiter is and reach out to them directly. You can get more information here: http://bit.ly/Zh0swk.

Does Microsoft have career opportunities in Africa?

Yes, and many other places around the world. Learn about Microsoft opportunities here: http://bit.ly/IDdvk1 and opportunities with Microsoft partners here: http://bit.ly/Asuo2j.

My campus doesn’t offer the types of student tech events or groups I’m interested in. How can I get more involved at my own school?

You can join a TechClub or start one with your friends. It's so much fun! Just use technology with friends.

What skills are required to become a developer and which programming languages are preferred?

Each position is different and you can learn about them here: http://t.co/O5waMfLv. Programming languages vary, based on what you are trying to achieve. Some of the more used languages are C#, Javascript, HTML, CSS3 and C++. I work in Javascript on Team Foundation Services (TFS), which was a big surprise in my internship.

Are grades an important factor in being hired at Microsoft?

Grades are important if you’re a new graduate or intern, but not a deal-breaker. Experience and projects are a much bigger factor.

I’ve heard there are a lot of interviews to get hired at Microsoft, is that true?

It probably varies, but as an MSP, I just had 3 interviews for a MACH position and it was fine.

What is the internship culture at Microsoft like? Do interns take part in important projects that define the future of Microsoft?

The culture is great. As interns we are treated like any other team member, asked for opinions, given important projects and are fully part of the team.

Where can I find out about opportunities while I am still a student?

Take a look at this page for resources on internships and recruiting for graduates: http://bit.ly/IDdvk1.

When is the intake for intern to MACH?

It depends on the MACH position; you can check everything at http://bit.ly/12zfNGk.

I’m interested in joining the MACH program in Malaysia but I’m unable to find information about it. Can you help me?

You can find out information about MACH programs in different countries here: http://bit.ly/12zfNGk.

What is your favorite project or deliverable that you have worked on at Microsoft?

Vlad: I’ve done some pretty cool things for the TFS Taskboard. Check out the ability to drag+drop anywhere, that was me! I’ve also worked on some *really* awesome projects that are internal-only so I can’t talk about them!

Patric: It’s hard to pick…Dark Side Bakery! A loft for 3 months where we helped developers build their own apps.

Israel: I loved the worldwide hackathon. I had so much fun organizing it! I must thank the Spanish STCs' help! I also love the project I'm working on right now: @OlimpiadAPPs, an Olimpic Game for Apps http://bit.ly/Yjc9ku. It’s a pilot program for Spain and maybe more countries will join it!

I wasn’t accepted into the Microsoft Student Partner program or an internship. What should I do next?

I got rejected at first but a couple of years later I was accepted, so work hard and don’t give up! Do your best and good things will come to you. It’s what Steve B. likes to tell us!

What kinds of opportunities are available for web developers at Microsoft?

I worked as a web developer on this internship on TFS. Lots of products are moving to the web and we need people to take them there! You can learn more about TFS here: http://bit.ly/UKqXCE. Great tool to keep track of bugs/src code.

I want to learn more about the Microsoft Student Partner (MSP) program, where can I find information?

To find out more about the MSP program, look here: http://bit.ly/TtqW4a. Choose your country and sign up, it’s a great experience!

I’m a student in Ireland, how do I apply to be an MSP?

You can apply online at http://bit.ly/TtqW4a.

How do you suggest a Dutch Communication & Multimedia Design student should apply for a trainee/internship program?

Be sure to check out the opportunities with Multimedia Design here http://bit.ly/IDdvk1 and select your country.

What advice do you have for students as they prepare for their careers?

Israel: Be active, have an open mind and try to know the world you live in as much as possible!

Vlad: My top advice is keep trying, show us you are passionate about Microsoft, and reach out to your recruiter.

Patric: I suggest you have a great time. Work hard and seek advice from time to time. Feedback is really important. Focus on something you like and become an expert in it. And make sure people know you are an expert. :)

What type of certification opportunities does Microsoft offer?

You can learn about them all here: http://bit.ly/zplMaa.