THE START

As a fresher in Computer Science, I knew about IBM and it’s powerful presence in the TECH world but I wasn’t at all aware of its’ IBM Z division. Becoming an IBM Z Ambassador introduced me to the IBM Z platform and helped me get started with learning Enterprise Computing, the underlying technology that IBM Z works upon. The day I came to know about the applications being open for the Z Ambassador program I was a bit unsure about applying as I had no knowledge about mainframes and Enterprise Computing in general. However, after searching the internet about what exactly a mainframe is, I was interested to know more by getting involved in the global program. Also, I am always in search of opportunities with the potential to help me upskill myself both technically & personally. The Z Ambassador program perfectly sounded like one! I applied and fortunately, I was selected to be a part of the program. It was entrancing to be a member of global team of students who all shared the same interest to learn & empower others to learn! The globally inclusive environment of the program empowered me to learn new skills and take new challenges to come out of my comfort zone. Thus, the Z Ambassador program is the starting point of my learning journey with IBM Z.

CONTRIBUTIONS SO FAR

As my Z Ambassador journey kickstarted, I was very keen on exploring more about the IBM Z world. I learned about Enterprise Computing, the technology that powers the world's leading businesses and runs 68% of the world’s production IT workloads. I felt fortunate to be a part of a student program that enabled me to learn new skills which I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.

However, it was surprising for me that most of the students in my region weren’t aware about the same as it’s not something we are taught in the classroom. I became determined to empower other students to explore such wonderful learning opportunities. I organized & led several online events with IBMers introducing 700+ students to the IBM Z platform. In addition, I led 4 student-centric virtual sessions at IBM Z’s annual TECH conference – IBM Z Day enlightening hundreds of students based globally on IBM Z Student opportunities. To take a deep dive into the technical aspects of IBM Z technologies, I also worked upon IBM Z Xplore coding challenges earning industry-recognized badges.

Following my aspiration to provide valuable content to students and further strengthen the positive impact, I started zStudents-CU, world’s first-ever student community powered by IBM Z in my university. With support from my university & IBM Z, I have nestled a team of students united by the mission to accelerate the development of both technical & soft skills in students around the globe. I definitely look forward to enabling more students to learn new skills outside of the classroom and better discover what the future of work needs by connecting them to Industry experts in my network.

CHALLENGES FACED

It was quite challenging for me to get comfortable with the platform. Initially, it took me a lot of time trying to figure out what role IBM Z exactly plays in our real-world. While solving challenges and learning a few of the technical aspects of IBM Z such as z/OS, USS, JCL, I used to face a lot of errors and often felt stuck. Being completely new to these technical areas, it was definitely hard for me to get comfortable on the platform. However, the support of IBM Z Community and the ample resources available on the IBM Z Global Student Hub enabled me to keep progressing. I felt most challenged after I got familiar with the platform and was working to encourage other students to learn the same. “Why Enterprise Computing and why not XYZ technology” is the question I was asked frequently.

RESOURCES/SUPPORT

Being a part of a diverse group of students with an all-inclusive environment has been most influential. Knowing that my ideas are valued and the community is supportive of our interests to learn & empower has been super instrumental in my journey.

The IBM Z Global Student Hub Community and resources available there made it a bit easier for me as I navigated my way on the IBM Z platform. The chance to learn and network with both students & industry experts provided the support every student desires to have. The Z Ambassador program helped me expand my network. I built good professional connections both within my country and internationally. I was fortunate enough to receive guidance from professionals within my network who have been working for years on the platform. With relevant guidance & support from our Z Ambassaor program leads, IBMers, and other Industry experts, it got a bit easier for me to tackle the challenge of learning a new technology & advocating about the same.

I am very glad to have become a part of the IBM Z Ambassador program. As I mentioned, the program not only helped me learn about a new technology but also boosted my overall growth. I went from being nervous about public speaking to speaking comfortably at a TECH conference in the virtual presence of hundreds of students. I would encourage the student audience to take new opportunities even when they find them a bit challenging at first. Everybody starts as a beginner! You never know what life-changing opportunities might come your way if you say YES to that one opportunity!