‘Softie in question: Andre Artis

Job title: Area Sales Manager for the South Central Region and Microsoft’s unofficial recruiter at the annual National Black MBA Association Conference.

It’s not unusual to find Microsofties who are eager to spread the word about their own experiences and help introduce a future generation of ‘Softies to the company. We caught up with Andre Artis to learn about how he got involved in representing Microsoft at one of the largest networking events in the U.S.

Andre started out as a potential Microsoft candidate back in 2009 when he attended his second National Black MBA Association Conference. “Microsoft was number one on my list of potential employers,” Andre said. “Microsoft was ultimately interested in me because of my ability to manage people and my proven track record in high tech sales. As an employee, I love the enthusiasm of my colleagues and I feel honored to be part of this company.”

After joining the company, Andre’s passion for working at Microsoft and the potential for other African Americans interested in a technology career spurred him to attend the National Black MBA Association Conferences on his own time to help Microsoft recruit new talent.

Technology companies are not often at the top of the career list for African American professionals, according to Andre. “Microsoft is not well-known among minorities in my area,” he said. “It means a lot to me to share my knowledge and best practices about an event (NBMBA) that’s a hidden secret for minorities. It can be hard for them to get into the big companies and talk to the right people. The National Black MBA Association Conferences help to facilitate that connection. Once I saw the results from the conference, I stepped up to volunteer my time to represent Microsoft and help ease the way for others.”

Andre is also active in the community, speaking at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to educate students about careers in technology. “I find that students are amazed to hear about my accomplishments and are impressed that I’m working at a company like Microsoft. They are inspired by my success and I’m inspired by helping them. I come from a single-parent home and I’m first to graduate college in my family. I’ve learned about short-term sacrifices to make long-term gains and I want to pass that knowledge on to others.”

Microsoft’s focus on diversity is inspiring to Artis. “Diversity is something that Microsoft is making a big effort to continue to improve,” he says. “For me, it’s challenging to go into a room where everyone looks alike. However, to know that the company is interested in attracting diverse people is very healthy and inspiring. I look at the senior management roles at the company and I feel that I can get there one day. I don’t have to lose my individuality or act in a different way to advance in my career here. At Microsoft, diversity is not just being spoken, but it’s truly part of the environment.”

The next National Black MBA Association Conference will be held Oct 4-8, 2011 in Atlanta, GA. Find out more details about this and similar events at http://youatmicrosoft.com.
 

- The JobsBlog Team