Meet a recent Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador graduate Maria-Anastasia Moustaka

This is the next segment in our blog series. Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador Gold Milestone, the highest level attainable and recent college graduate. Each blog in this series will feature a different student, highlighting their accomplishments, their experiences in the Student Ambassador community, and what they have been up to.

Today we meet Maria-Anastasia Recently graduated Master’s degree in Computer Science and Informatics from the University of Patras ~ in Greece.

Responses have been edited for clarity and length.

When did you join the Student Ambassador community?

I joined the Student Ambassador community in November 2016, when I was a third-year student pursuing my Integrated Master’s degree in Computer Science and Informatics at the University of Patras. At that time, the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador program was still known as Student Guru.

What is it like to be a student ambassador?

Being a student ambassador is a fantastic experience. You get to meet new people from around the university and the world, work in teams, create projects, give presentations, and constantly learn new skills. It gives you a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Maria-Anastasia finishing her presentation.

Was there a particular experience that had a profound impact on you while you were participating in the program? And why?

Through this program, I started teaching IoT and was able to connect with MVPs and cloud advocates. These interactions played a key role in my becoming an MVP, which I have maintained for the past 3 years since December 2021. This experience has had a huge impact on my career as it has not only expanded my professional network but also deepened my expertise in the field.

Tell me about the skills you gained as a student ambassador. How did these skills help you in your journey after graduating from college?

During my time as a student ambassador, I had the opportunity to develop a strong skillset in IoT. Learning about IoT involved understanding how to connect and manage various devices, collect data, and create solutions that leverage this data in meaningful ways. This skill set was invaluable in my post-graduate journey. It allowed me to work on innovative projects, stay at the forefront of technological advancements, and was a key differentiator in my career. My knowledge and experience in IoT has made me versatile and prepared to solve complex challenges in the technology industry.

One of the most impactful moments was after I gave a presentation on IoT at the Greek Summit. I was approached by an employer who attended the session, which led to my first job offer. This opportunity not only kick-started my professional career, but also played a key role in my journey to becoming an MVP.

What would you like to tell students around the world about the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador Program?

I want to let all students know that the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador Program provides them with numerous opportunities to gain knowledge and grow personally and professionally. This platform empowers you to develop new skills, connect with like-minded people, and advance your career.

What advice would you give to new student ambassadors just starting out in the program?

My advice to new student ambassadors is to do your best. Take the time to network and build connections. Don’t be afraid to collaborate with others. And always be willing to go the extra mile. Take advantage of every opportunity the program offers and strive to grow both personally and professionally.

Share your favorite quote! It could be from a movie, a song, a book, or someone you know personally. Let us know why you chose it. What does it mean to you?

One of my favorite quotes is “Be Passionate!” It’s simple, yet powerful. I chose this quote because it captures the energy and passion needed to excel in any field. For me, it serves as a reminder to always pursue my interests with dedication and to approach every task with a genuine love for what I do. Passion is an essential part of both my personal and professional life, fostering creativity, resilience, and success.

Tell us some interesting stories about yourself and your travels.

My journey has been very exciting. I started my first degree in 2015, and thanks to the Student Ambassador community, I got my first job and MVP status before I even graduated. I went straight into my Masters after my degree, which I have now completed. After that, I started my PhD and continued to work as a software engineer. It has been a challenging but very rewarding path to balance my academic ambitions with a successful professional career.

Maria-Anastasia at the graduation ceremony.

You can follow Maria-Anastasia here:

Blog: https://www.thinkaboutiot.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-anastasia-moustaka/
twitter: https://twitter.com/mariamou_7
All my links: https://bio.link/maria

I am passionate about sharing my knowledge in areas such as IoT, Azure, software engineering, business applications, and the latest technology news and trends. I focus on inspiring others to pursue a career in technology and emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and personal growth in this ever-evolving field.