Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors Program Interview Series Episode 5

Welcome to the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador Program interview series!

In this series, you’ll hear from current and former Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors about their personal experiences with the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador program and why they think students should join and become part of the program and community.

Today we will be having an interview Abdulhamid OnaoleHe graduated from the MLSA program as a Beta Ambassador. He recently completed his Masters in Artificial Intelligence at Aston University, Birmingham. He is passionate about AI, especially in areas that impact the general public, such as medicine and diet, and currently works as an AI engineer.

How did you hear about the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program?

I heard about it on Olanrewaju Oyinbooke’s page, but I’m not sure if it was LinkedIn or Twitter. He’s a Microsoft MVP. I’ve been following him since way before that. I think he’s one of the voices that’s really contributed to empowering young people to get into the technology space, especially in the Nigerian sector.

As a master’s student, what prompted you to participate in the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program?

After reading about this program, I found the opportunities presented there to be truly useful. Opportunities such as structured mentorship and collaborative project development are important and have a big impact on students before they graduate and enter the workforce.

Did you participate in the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program while pursuing your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree? If not, why did you not participate in the program while pursuing your BSc degree?

I finished my first degree in 2019 and only heard about it in grad school in 2022. To be honest, I wasn’t really into technology at the time so I’m not sure if it really caught my interest.

What is your personal experience with the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program?

Awesome! It was really exciting. I wish I could have spent more time on the program. It helped me build a lot of skills. First of all, I didn’t think I could host a workshop or event, but this program made me do it.

This program will help you develop a lot of technical and soft skills and refine what you already have. You will always find something you enjoy and there is nothing wrong with focusing on it and refining it as much as possible. For example, as an MLSA, you will write and publish a blog, which can be really useful if you want to contribute but are not ready to host an event. I love writing so it has worked out well for me. I am even planning to start my own blog.

As a master’s student and participant in the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador Program, how did you manage your time?

Well, the program itself is really flexible, but I would say what really helped me was planning ahead. If you start much earlier than the deadline or spread it out over a few weeks, it becomes easier to execute what you have planned. By doing this, I was able to achieve what I set out to do without any pressure.

How have you benefited from the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program?

I have a Microsoft Flask that I can brag about. 😁. But jokes aside, I’ve had the opportunity to interact with many amazing individuals, fellow students, and professionals. I remember when I was paired with a mentor and we worked on a project together. I was blown away by the way he approached problem solving, and it was a rude awakening to the dramatic differences between someone with decades of experience and a novice like me. It was shocking, but also inspiring.

I also got a voucher to take the certification exam. There are more benefits to explore like Microsoft for Startups.

What advice would you give to students and why do you think they should participate in the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program?

It is an opportunity for students to develop their technical and soft skills. There will always be something new to learn. It is also an opportunity to gain experience before graduating.

I also believe that there are many amazing people in the world. Just as the program is designed to impact you, you have the opportunity to impact the program and society as a whole. Only you can bring what you have.

Apply and join the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program

Hear from other Student Ambassadors as they share their experiences with the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador Program.

Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador Program Interview Series Episode 1 – Microsoft Community Hub

Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador Program Interview Series Part 2 – Microsoft Community Hub

Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador Program Interview Series Part 3 – Microsoft Community Hub

Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador Program Interview Series Part 4 – Microsoft Community Hub