Microsoft Certified Professional award feels more like Scout badge |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Today On Techflash
- Can Microsoft overcome the smartphone app gap?
- Hey recruiters: Here's an R&D lab run by, and for, students
- Apps that waste your time (in a good way): Execs' addictions
- WTIA announces Industry Achievement Award finalists
- Analyst sees 7-inch iPad in Apple future
- Check out this app: Executives list the ones they use most
Mass High Tech
- Microsoft Build: Windows 8 preview a hit, but are investors unhappy?
- Build an app in a day at Mobile App Hackathon
- Beefed-up Skype for Windows; Indie author joins Amazon's 'Kindle Million Club'
- Only solution to Xbox 360 update error is new console
- Ballmer: Windows Phone update 'Mango' has over 500 new features
Microsoft Certified Professional award feels more like Scout badge
This week brought news of a 9-year-old girl becoming a Microsoft Certified Professional, achieving the designation that the company gives to outside experts "who have the skills to implement a Microsoft product or technology successfully as part of a business solution in an organization." The reports about M. Lavinashree of India becoming an MCP earned her lots of praise online.
It's a great story, particularly in an industry that needs more women, and we don't mean to take anything away from the achievement, But in reality, she's only the latest in a series of children under 10 to achieve Microsoft certification. A few years ago, I reported on the remarkable Arfa Karim of Pakistan, who visited with Bill Gates in Redmond after she earned the MCP designation at 9 years old. Babar Iqbal of Pakistan also became an MCP at the age of nine.
In fact, some past reports cite instances of kids as young as eight becoming MCPs.
Which raises the question: Are we seeing the emergence of a new generation of technological geniuses? Or are Microsoft's certification exams too easy?
For an insider's take, I emailed Arfa, who is now 13 and has kept me updated on her progress over the years. I asked her what she thought about another 9-year-old becoming an MCP.
"This is the first time I've seen this story. But I must say that I'm really happy to have read it," she wrote back. "I am very glad to see that people are following what I did and have succeeded in beating me. ... I would say that the other youngsters should follow suit, thereby convincing the people to take us kids seriously. Our generation is very talented and so should be promoted."
Arfa says she's been busy with her conventional studies in recent years and hasn't been as involved in software development. However, she writes, "I am looking into new technologies such as Android and am going to be a part of small research projects with university students."
And she's laying the groundwork to apply for MIT, her "dream university," to study computer science.
(Image via Scout Pack 31, with modifications.)
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
Award categories include: Advocate; Architect/Designer; Facility Manager/Operator; and Owner/Developer.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of U.S. GSA's Office of Federal High Performance Buildings. Kevin leads the U.S. General Services Administration's efforts in building sustainability and accelerating industry adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of a building's life.
Register here by February 10!
If you are interested in buying a table, email Monica Alquist or call her at 206-876-5404.
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.
