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 Jennifer who recently graduated with a bachelor’s in digital security and Forensics. from Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland.
Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
When did you join the Student Ambassadors community?
October 2021
What was being a Student Ambassador like?
I would describe being a student ambassador as a very exciting experience. There are so many opportunities for personal growth in so many different areas, and you get to decide which opportunities to take and how you want to shape your journey. It is also so reassuring to have a community that supports you and that you can learn from and give back to.
Was there a specific experience you had while you were in the program that had a profound impact on you and why?
One event that stands out for me is when I co-hosted the Microsoft EMEA Student Summit in March 2023 with Microsoft Senior Cloud Advocate and Software Engineer Liam Hampton. It was an honor to be asked to co-host, and it was a very successful event, with over 550 live viewers. I was also very privileged during my time as a student ambassador to be involved in Allyship, and to host several events in that area, most notably the 2023 Student Ambassador Pride Watch Party. I was also able to put my creative side to good use and host an event on LGBTQ+ Representation in Western Literature. All these events may have pushed me out of my comfort zone, but they contributed to building up my confidence and proving to myself what I was capable of.
Jennifer at the Microsoft EMEA Student Summit 2023
Tell us about a technology you had the chance to gain a skillset in as a Student Ambassador. How has this skill you acquired helped you in your post-university journey?
One of the first certifications I attained from Microsoft was the AI-900, where I learned the foundations of machine learning and the wide range of applications that AI can be used for. Now, almost four years later, I have completed an Honours Dissertation on using Deep Learning for Polymorphic Malware Detection, and am about to start a Master’s Degree in Advanced Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence.
What is something you want all students, globally, to know about the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador Program?
If you're looking for a tech community where you will be inspired and inspire others, all while constantly learning and building up a network of fantastic people that will help you along the way and be there for you even after you graduate, then the MLSA program is the place for you.
What advice would you give to new Student Ambassadors, who are just starting in the program?
I would say that the program may seem overwhelming at first but give it time and you will find your feet. Don't be afraid to ask questions and get involved with anything that interests you. And lastly, don't underestimate the soft skills you will gain from your time in the program. Technical skills are important, but the ability to share what you know and communicate with others will last you a lifetime.
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?
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." - Gandalf. I'm terrible for worrying too much about the future and what my life will look like in a year, two years, five years' time. This quote from one of my favorite book and movie series reminds me that I can just enjoy the time that I have right now and not wish my life away.
Tell us something interesting about you, about your journey.
Hosting events as part of the MLSA program gave me a confidence boost in the early years of my degree and helped me to get a job during university where I worked as a Student Ambassador for the Cyber Security Department. This whole job centered around public speaking, whether I was speaking to prospective students at Open Days, moderating panels in front of full lecture theatres at Applicant Events, or even just giving one-on-one tours of our department facilities. I have now moved on to speaking at local cyber community events and have started to apply to speak at conferences too.
You can follow Jennifer here:
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