Microsoft® Alumni Network and VocationVacations® Partner to Help Members Test-Drive Their Dream Jobs

The Microsoft Alumni Network (MSA) and VocationVacations Holidays team to help MSA members test the waters of a possible second or third career.

Portland, OR (PRWEB) October 14, 2005 -- The Microsoft® Alumni Network, an exclusive organization for Microsoft alumni, and VocationVacations®, the one-of-a-kind company that offers people a risk-free opportunity to test-drive their dream jobs, today announced that the companies have entered into a non-exclusive partnership agreement to help Microsoft Alumni Network members test the waters of a second or third career.

“We’re thrilled to team with the Microsoft Alumni Network in order to help its members sample a new career,” said Brian Kurth, founder and president of VocationVacations. “In many cases, working in a ‘dream job’ and living a dream-job lifestyle is more attainable today because of the flexibility provided by the technological tools of the PC/Internet age – some of which the MSA members helped create while working at Microsoft.”

Kathi Jones, Executive Director of the Microsoft Alumni Network believes that, “VocationVacations gives MSA members a chance to test-drive a vocational interest like being a vintner, chocolatier, landscape architect, and more before they jump in and leave their current job. It perfectly fits our members’ need to investigate and evaluate.”

About Microsoft Alumni Network

Microsoft Alumni Network (MSA) was founded in 1995 to support the entrepreneurial and philanthropic interests of Microsoft alumni. MSA's members have access to exclusive contacts and resources, and enjoy discounts on a variety of products, services, and benefits.

Today, MSA helps over 6,000 Microsoft alumni stay connected. Although most come from the Puget Sound area, members also reside in 50 states and 27 foreign countries. All told, they represent a varied and engaged group of entrepreneurs, parents, retirees, hobbyists, and community activists, ready to share their interests and experiences with fellow Microsoft alumni.

For more information visit www.msanet.org or send us an email to msalum@msanet.org.

About VocationVacations

The only company of its kind, VocationVacations®, a wholly owned subsidiary of Grounded Nomads, LLC, offers the ultimate adventure to people longing to do more than just dream about the job they’ve always wanted. Under the guidance of an expert mentor, VocationVacations clients can spend one to ten risk-free days living the career of their choice while on an otherwise traditional vacation. VocationVacation packages include Wine Maker, Race Team Pit Crew Member, Private Investigator, Dog Trainer, Sports Announcer/Promotions Manager, Horse Trainer, TV Producer, Brew Master, Innkeeper, Film Events Producer, Cheese Maker, Fishing Outfitter, Baker, Wedding Coordinator, Style Expert and more. Each VocationVacations holiday also includes pre- and post-career/life coaching from an approved VocationVacations Coach.

For more information or to book a VocationVacations holiday, visit www.vocationvacations.com, call 971.544.1535 or email info@vocationvacations.com

Contacts:

Kelly Kirkendoll Shafer

Shafer Communications for VocationVacations

817.236.6075

press@vocationvacations.com or kelly@shafercommunications.com

http://www.vocationvacations.com

Kathi Jones

Microsoft Alumni Network

206.438.1851

kathi@msanet.org

http://www.msanet.org

# # #