Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors Program Interview Series Episode 2
Welcome to the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors Program Interview Series! In this series, we will hear and learn from current and old Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors about their personal experiences with the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors Program and why they think students should join and be a part of the program and community. Today, I will interview Deepthi Balasubramanian, a Gold Student Ambassador from India. Who is currently a final-year student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Engineering at Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai (India). Her interests lie in AI, Cloud Computing, and Software Engineering. How did you get to know about the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program? As a freshman at my university, I joined the Microsoft Innovations Club. A senior from the club introduced me to the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program, which immediately caught my interest! When did you join the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program? I became a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador during my sophomore year, in October 2022. What activities have you contributed to as a student ambassador in the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador program? This program's goal of empowering students to 'be a force for good' aligns perfectly with my goal of making technology accessible to all. It has provided me with a comprehensive platform for skill-building, community-building, and networking, which is essential for my professional growth. And also the opportunity for me to collaborate with Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals, and fellow student ambassadors, I have organized over 16 workshops and events on technologies such as Azure AI Studio, Copilot, Responsible AI, Power Platform, and GitHub, reaching nearly 1500 students and promoting inclusivity in tech. I have actively led two teams in Ambassadors AI project cycles, winning one cycle and placing among the top 5 teams in another. During these cycles, I developed social impact projects and presented them during demo days. Recently, I served as a Gold Ambassador judge for the AI project cycle held between March and May 2024. As a peer mentor, I've guided fellow ambassadors, enhancing their program experience. The recognition and appreciation for our efforts from the Microsoft Learn Student Program have helped foster a strong sense of inclusion and value within the community. Overall, being a Microsoft Student Ambassador has been incredibly fulfilling. Being a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador how are you able to manage your time as a student? I'm always drawn to opportunities that enhance my skill set, like being a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador. With effective scheduling and prioritization of my tasks, I can manage my academic workload and allocate sufficient time toward every task or responsibility. The Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program supportive environment and flexible time frames makes it possible and easy for me to navigate between the program and my studies. What have you benefited from the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program? The Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program gave me an identity as a tech leader, provided me with the resources to learn and also skill learners on industry-relevant skills. This community values every individual and offers extensive opportunities for personal development. Giving us direct mentorship from MVPs, cloud advocates, and experienced FTEs which has given me invaluable insights into the industry's technical landscape. Connecting with passionate students globally who share similar goals has been incredibly motivating, and the opportunity to collaborate with fellow Student Ambassadors. Additionally, as an ambassador I enjoy access to a variety of perks, including digital and physical swag items. What advice do you have for students and why do you think they should join the program? The Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program offers extensive opportunities for learning and growth. I encourage students passionate about technology and eager to empower their peers through technology to join this vibrant community. You can join the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador Program by applying here Check out the previous series Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors Program Interview Series Episode 1 - Microsoft Community Hub
