GoKawiilMicrosoft and Carnegie Mellon launch PRAISE program for early-career engineers
Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University's Kenneth C. Griffin School of Computer Science have launched the Preceptorship for AI-accelerated Software Engineering (PRAISE) program. It lets early-career Microsoft software engineers take CMU online courses in software engineering and AI while receiving structured mentorship from senior engineers at the company. One participant, Jace Watson, takes the courses remotely from Seattle while working full-time at Microsoft.
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The program suggests large tech employers see a gap between university computer science training and the AI-driven skills now needed on the job, prompting companies to fund continuing education rather than rely solely on degrees. It could also signal a broader trend of universities partnering directly with employers to reach working professionals rather than traditional students. For engineers like Watson, it offers a route to formalize AI fluency that wasn't part of his undergraduate curriculum.
- Microsoft and CMU's Griffin School of Computer Science created the PRAISE program for early-career engineers.
- Participants combine online CMU coursework in AI and software engineering with on-the-job mentorship at Microsoft.
- The program reflects efforts to close a skills gap between traditional CS education and AI tool use in industry.
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Published there as: “Microsoft and CMU Team Up to Train Early Career Software Engineers”
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