Missed out on Microsoft Build this year? Want a chance to catch up on the exciting Humans of IT-focused topics featured on the Community spotlight series? Here are the top highlights from our sessions so you can get all caught up!
May 19 @ 12-12.45pm PT: "Mentoring Future Technologists" featuring David and Sarah Patrick + Jeremy and Isabel Wood (dynamic father-daughter duos)
ABSTRACT: Community Connections experience - How can we share our passions with those still trying to figure out the world? How do we inspire young technologists to pursue careers in tech? We’ll explore engaging with future technologists far before the job hunt begins; hearing from amazing father-daughter duos about their experiences with mentorship and paving the way for future success.
RECAP/HIGHLIGHTS:
- Dad-and-Daughter duos comprised of:
- David Patrick, a Microsoft Certified Trainer, MVP, Data System Analyst, adjunct tech lecturer and daughter, Sarah Patrick, a 20 year-old student at University of Maryland, College Park studying Information Systems wrapping up her sophomore year in college
- Jeremy Wood, a federal employee working for an agency called Millennium Challenge corporation, software engineer by trade, Microsoft Tech stack advocate and daughter, Isabel Wood, a 17 year-old student who attends a high school that specializes IT (her second time speaking!)
- Sarah and Isabel shared that their perceptions changed from initially thinking that technology solely revolved around computers, to realizing that it's deeper and much broader than that. It's the people (humans!) that make the computers and the tech that's made it what is it today - "It's the devices, applications, and tools we use daily that make technology so accessible today."
- What sparked them to get into the tech space, and perhaps one day work in tech? For Isabel, it was her brother Zach who joined the tech space in 8th grade and found his community. That community inspired her and made her want to join in too. For Sarah, her love for math and science led her to a coding class; it was a different type of problem-solving she had never done before, and it made her want to learn more.
- Daughters said that while their dads are hands-down their top role models in tech, many women in tech role models have also touched their lives and inspired them deeply -be it through their dad's connections/network, attending Microsoft events and meeting other women in tech, or participating in TechGirlz philanthropic efforts. These strong women tech role models made them feel like, "Wow, that could be me."
- Advice they'd give to someone considering tech? Do the thing. Be open minded. Try it before you judge it! Dads, Jeremy and David, both say they've realized that failure is an option. Most of their careers have been self-taught and they've learnt along the way. Don't be afraid to make mistakes!
- Want to get started in tech today, but don't know where to begin? There are many (mostly free!) resources out there and there is no "right" age to get started, whether you're 6 or 65. Hackathons, data camps, and MS Learn are just a few tools you can use today. Other suggestions include: PowerApps for Big Kids and Little Kids TV show, How-to-Code YouTube Tutorials, and KodU. Plenty of low/no-code tech tools available for folks who may not enjoy coding as much, but still want to build useful solutions.
WATCH: The full recording of this session is available on the Microsoft Build website.
May 20 1-1.45pm PT: "Creating a Purpose-Driven Career" featuring Melissa Sassi, Digital Inclusion Advocate, Global Head of IBM Hyper Protect Accelerator, IEEE Digital Skills Chairperson, Founder of MentorNations and UNESCO hackathon, CodeTheCurve.
ABSTRACT: Come hear from Melissa Sassi, a digital inclusion advocate who views digital inclusion as a fundamental human right. Join us at this fireside chat where she shares about how she turned personal tragedy into her superpower, started a movement that taught tens of thousands of youth to code in more than 12 countries, and how YOU can create your own purpose-driven career as well!
HIGHLIGHTS:
- What inspired Melissa to start MentorNations and focus on digital inclusion? As a victim of parental kidnapping, she often talks about her origin story. The one that brought her to feel compelled to do what she does today. When her daughter was taken from her and moved to Tunisia, she discovered that her daughter didn't have access to a computer of her own when she was learning Microsoft Word in her small town in Tunisia.
- It prompted the question, "How can my daughter really be digitally included? How can she do that if she doesn’t have access to computers?" Melissa then set out on relentless mission to get computers into classrooms in Tunisia. Fast forward, she created a program where she sent over 400 laptops into 20 classrooms all around the EMEA region.
- The impact has extended greatly. It went from summer camp to providing laptops and teaching code hundreds of thousands of children globally in 12 different countries.
- So, how do you go about finding meaning in your career? She preaches that we are all capable of finding purpose. There's no one stopping you from changing your career and finding purpose. You can start through micro-volunteerism opportunities. If you want to do something, do something for a hour. Do an hour of code. Share your skills forward!
- Mentorship has helped her majorly with imposter syndrome. She has her go-to people she can depend on when things are not going well that she calls her trusted squad. YOU can find your trusted squad too!
- What would she recommend to a budding technologist? Just do it. We are all of our worst enemies. Don't be afraid of feeling like you don’t belong. You do not have to choose between doing good and getting paid anymore - you can do a job that allows you to do good, AND get paid. What’s stopping you from achieving those things - It’s YOU. Start your journey today!
WATCH: The full recording of this session is available on the Microsoft Build website.
Humans of IT was thrilled to be a part of the first fully digital Microsoft Build. Looking forward to seeing all of you at Microsoft Ignite next!