#WICxSkillsReadyChallenge

Accelerate Your AI & Cyber Career with Microsoft Verifiable Project-Based Credentials

The 2024 Work Trend Index Annual report from Microsoft and LinkedIn indicates a significant demand for AI skills in the job market, with 66% of leaders stating they would not consider hiring candidates without AI skills. With advances in AI, cyber, cloud computing, and emerging technologies changing every day, a skills-based approach helps organizations identify the right talent with the right skills at the right time to accelerate the delivery of their most critical projects. Women in Cloud (WIC) is excited to launch the #WICxSkillsReadyChallenge, leveraging Microsoft Applied Skills. This new verifiable credential validates specific real-world skill sets that address critical business problems and can be earned through interactive lab-based assessments on Microsoft Learn. You will gain confidence through relevant project-based skilling in weeks and increase trust with hiring and existing managers in an AI-centric economy. Plus, win exciting projects and build valuable friendships.

Why Participate?

  • Unlocking AI Skills: Essential for both career progression and organizational growth.
  • Seizing AI Opportunities: Invest in AI now for future-proof skills.
  • AI Proficiency: A Career Must-Have & Stay competitive in an AI-driven world.
  • Adapting to Evolving Skillsets: Keep pace with rapidly changing requirements.
  • Showcasing Your Skills: Make your project-based proficiency stand out.
  • Achieve credentials faster: Accelerate your skill development with scenario focused credentials.
  • Balancing Work and Skill Growth: Find harmony between professional commitments and skill enhancement.

 

Benefits of Participating

  • Project-based Skill Development: Validates knowledge in skill sets specific to critical business challenges​
  • Flexible Learning Paths: Self-Paced Learning: Learn at your own pace, making it easier to fit skill development into your schedules.
  • Immediate Application of Skills: Project-Relevant Skilling: Directly applicable to current projects, ensuring immediate value and relevance. Interactive lab experience to demonstrate proficiency by completing real-world tasks
  • Enhanced Credibility: Microsoft Verifiable Credentials can be shared on professional networks like LinkedIn to showcase skills acquired to potential employers or increasing trust with hiring managers.
  • Support for Certification Preparation if that is a goal: Confidence Building, Scenario-based learning and micro-credentials help build confidence by validating skills incrementally.

How to Participate?

Application Phase

Apply using a simple form to get access to all the benefits and resources.

Credentialing Phase

Earn Microsoft Applied Skills Credentials using MS Learn Platform

Engagement Phase

Get engaged, recognized and celebrated plus have access to opportunities.

Who Should Apply?

According to 2024 Work Trend Index, most leaders worry they can’t fill key roles. Leaders have already made their landgrab for technical AI talent, with hiring up 323% in the past eight years. Now they’re turning their sights to non-technical talent with AI aptitude—the skills to use generative AI
tools like ChatGPT and Copilot.

We are calling all —women and allies—who are ready to elevate their professional status through innovation and teamwork. If you possess a deep interest in AI and are committed to excelling in this field, your team belongs here. The eligibility criteria: 

  • Inclusive of All Genders. Priority for women across all the global markets. 
  • Historically underrepresented populations: Including people of color especially women and other marginalized communities in the US.
  • Industry Associations and Communities interested in partnering and enhancing workforce diversity and closing the skills gap.

 

Why Not Participate?

  • Earn Microsoft Applied Skills credentials in AI in just weeks. 
  • Win exciting prizes every month
  • Exclusive invitations to get spotlights, speak at events, network with recruiters, and WIC projects
  • Gain valuable friendships & set world records
  • Benefits value at $4500

 

Microsoft Applied Skills

Here are the Microsoft Applied Skills that WIC is currently promoting:

  • Create and manage canvas apps with Power Apps

  • Create and manage automated processes by using Power Automate

  • Create and manage model-driven apps with Power Apps and Dataverse

  • Implement AI models with Microsoft Power Platform AI Builder

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The OSCAR-Qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival, the Seattle Film Summit, and the Women In Cloud organizations have announced a partnership to unite tech and film. This alliance will focus on two goals: accelerating workforce development by providing skills in cutting-edge AI technologies and investing in films that depict accurate and diverse perspectives.

Introducing #WICxSkillsReadyChallenge to Unlock Career-Defining Opportunities in the AI Economy

#WICxSkillsReadyChallenge, leveraging Microsoft Applied Skills. This new challenge aims to prepare individuals of all genders to validate specific skills related to real-world technical scenarios through Microsoft Applied Skills, a verifiable credential that increases trust with hiring and existing managers in an AI-centric economy.

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FAQs

  1. How do I participate in the #WICxSkillsReadyChallenge?
    • To participate, you need to apply for the challenge on the official #WICxSkillsReadyChallenge website. Once registered, you’ll be invited to access to private digital network where you will get access to step by step instructions to participate and engage to achieve your verifiable credential. Complete these assessments to earn verifiable credentials and showcase your expertise.
  2. How much does it cost to participate in the #WICxSkillsReadyChallenge?
    • Participation in the #WICxSkillsReadyChallenge is free of charge. There are no registration fees or hidden costs associated with joining the challenge.
  3. Is this Challenge available globally?
    • Yes, the challenge is available globally. Participants from all around the world are welcome to join and benefit from the program.
  4. How much time does it take to complete the assessment?
    • The time required to complete the assessment varies depending on individual pace and prior knowledge. On average, participants can expect to complete verifiable credential assessment within a week.
  5. How are prizes awarded in the #WICxSkillsReadyChallenge?
    • Prizes are awarded monthly throughout the duration of the challenge. Participants are entered into a prize draw based on their completion of  assessments. Winners are selected on third Friday of every month via a live drawing and notified via email. Additionally, outstanding performances and top achievers may receive special recognition and rewards.

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