This is the next segment of our blog series highlighting Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors who achieved the Gold milestone, the highest level attainable, and have recently graduated from university. Each blog in the series features a different student and highlights their accomplishments, their experience with the Student Ambassador community, and what they’re up to now.
Today we meet Ayush Jha, who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Computer Science from Government College of Engineering and Ceramic Technology in India.
Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
When did you join the Student Ambassadors community?
August 16, 2021.
What was being a Student Ambassador like?
Being a Student Ambassador was an incredible journey filled with personal growth, meaningful connections, and a sense of pride. It allowed me to contribute to many communities while developing essential skills that will undoubtedly benefit me in my future endeavors.
Was there a specific experience you had while you were in the program that had a profound impact on you and why?
Certainly! One specific experience that had a profound impact on me during my time as a Student Ambassador was when I had the opportunity to mentor new Student Ambassadors.
This experience was incredibly fulfilling. I was able to guide and support these passionate individuals who were just beginning their journey as Ambassadors. I shared my own experiences, provided them with insight and advice, and helped them navigate their roles effectively. Witnessing their growth and seeing their enthusiasm to make a difference was truly inspiring. It reminded me of the importance of mentorship and how it can positively impact others.
Another impactful experience was serving as a mentor for CalHack 8.0, a prestigious hackathon event. Being a mentor allowed me to work closely with aspiring young innovators and problem solvers. I had the opportunity to guide them through the process of ideation, development, and presentation of their projects. Witnessing their dedication, creativity, and perseverance was awe-inspiring. It was incredible to see how technology and teamwork could come together to address real-world challenges. Being a part of their journey and witnessing their growth and success left an impression on me.
Additionally, being a mentor for Imagine Cup 2023, a global student technology competition, was an incredibly impactful experience. Imagine Cup brings together bright minds from around the world to solve some of the most pressing global issues through innovative technology solutions. As a mentor, I had the privilege of supporting and guiding teams throughout their preparation for the competition. It was incredible to witness their passion, creativity, and determination as they worked tirelessly on their projects. Their commitment to making a positive impact on the world through technology was truly inspiring. Being a part of their journey and seeing their transformative ideas come to life was a humbling experience.
Ayush Jha with fellow Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors at the Biswa Bangla Convention Center for a GDG Cloud Event.
Tell us about a technology you had the chance to gain a skillset as a Student Ambassador. How has this skill you acquired helped you in your post-university journey?
During my time as a Student Ambassador, I had the opportunity to gain a skillset in cloud computing, specifically in Microsoft Azure. Azure is a powerful cloud computing platform that offers a wide range of services and solutions for businesses and individuals. As a Student Ambassador, I had access to various resources and training materials provided by Microsoft, which allowed me to develop a solid understanding of Azure and its capabilities.
I learned how to create and manage virtual machines, set up storage solutions, and deploy web applications using Azure. I gained proficiency in utilizing Azure's services for data analytics, such as Azure Machine Learning and Azure Databricks. These tools enabled me to work with large datasets, perform data analysis, and build machine learning models.
What is something you want all students, globally, to know about the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador Program?
One important thing I want all students globally to know about the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador Program is that it offers a unique and transformative opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
The MLSA program is designed to empower students to become leaders, advocates, and influencers in the technology field. By joining this program, students gain access to a vast array of resources, training, and networking opportunities that can shape their future careers.
What advice would you give to new Student Ambassadors, who are just starting in the program?
Congratulations to all the new Student Ambassadors who are just starting off in the program! Here are a few pieces of advice to help you make the most of your experience:
- Embrace the learning journey: As a Student Ambassador, you have a unique opportunity to learn and grow. Embrace the learning journey by exploring new technologies, attending workshops, and taking advantage of the resources provided by Microsoft. Be curious, ask questions, and never stop seeking knowledge. Remember that your role as a Student Ambassador is not just about sharing information but also about being a lifelong learner.
- Build relationships and collaborate: The program is not just about individual accomplishments; it is also about building a strong network and collaborating with your fellow Student Ambassadors. Engage with the global community, connect with others, and participate in group projects or initiatives. Collaboration not only fosters personal growth but also amplifies the impact you can make together.
- Leverage your passion: Identify your areas of passion and expertise within the technology field. Whether it is AI, web development, data analytics, or cybersecurity, focus on what genuinely excites you. Leverage your passion to dive deeper into those areas and share your knowledge with others. Passion is contagious and will make your contributions more meaningful.
Share a favorite quote with us! It can be from a movie, a song, a book, or someone you know personally. Tell us why you chose this. What does it mean for you?
"Zindagi badi honi chahiye ... lambi nahin." (Translation: "Life should be big ... not long.") from the movie Anand. I chose this quote because it sums up a profound truth about life. It reminds us that the quality of our life matters more than its length. In the movie Anand, the title character, played by Rajesh Khanna, portrays a vibrant and joyful individual who embraces life fully despite knowing that his time is limited due to a terminal illness. For me, this quote serves as a powerful reminder to cherish each moment and make the most of the time we have.
Tell us something interesting about you, about your journey.
As a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador, my journey has been an incredible one, filled with personal growth, skill development, community building, and collaboration with fellow developers.
You can follow Ayush here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/00-ayush-jha