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 be interviewing Abdulhamid Onawole, who graduated from the MLSA program as a Beta ambassador. He recently concluded his studies in Artificial Intelligence as a master’s student at Aston University, Birmingham. He is passionate about AI, especially in areas that impact the regular person, such as medicine and diet and currently works as an AI engineer.

How did you get to know about the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program?

I heard about it on Olanrewaju Oyinbooke’s page, but I’m not sure if it was on LinkedIn or Twitter. He’s a Microsoft MVP. I had been following him long before then. I think he’s one of the voices that has really contributed to empowering young people who are breaking into tech, especially in the Nigerian space.

As a Master’s student, why did you join the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program?

For me, after reading up on the program, I found the opportunities presented there really useful. Opportunities like a structured mentorship, collaborative project development are important and impactful for students before graduating and breaking into the job market.  

Did you join the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program during your Bachelor’s degree or Master’s? If No, why did you not join the program during your BSc

I finished my first degree in 2019 and only heard about it in 2022 during my postgrad. To be honest, I wasn’t into tech back then, so I am not sure if it would have caught my interest.

What is your personal experience in the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program?

Great! It was nothing short of exciting. I wish I had more time in the program. It helped build a lot of skills. For one, I didn’t think I had it in me to host workshops or events, but thanks to this program, I was able to do so.

The program helps you develop many technical and soft skills and even polish what you already have. You will always find something you enjoy, and it’s not wrong to focus on that and refine it as best as you can. For example, as an MLSA, you write and post blogs, which could be really useful if you also want to contribute but are not ready to go all the way by hosting an event. I enjoy writing, so it was a good fit for me. I even plan on starting my own blog.

How have you been able to manage your time as a Master’s student and being in the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors Program?

Well, the program itself is really flexible, but what really helped me, I would say, is planning ahead. It becomes easier to execute anything you have planned if you kind of get it started long before any deadlines or space it out over weeks. By doing this, I was able to accomplish what I set out without any pressure.

What have you benefited from the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program?

I got the Microsoft flask that I can show off 😁. But jokes apart, I was able to connect to a lot of incredible individuals, fellow students and professionals. I remember when I was paired with a mentor, and we worked on a project together. I was stunned when I saw his approach to problem-solving and got this rude awakening on the dramatic difference between someone with decades of experience and a greenhorn such as myself. Although shocking, it was also inspiring.

I also secured vouchers to write certification exams. There are even more benefits to explore, such as Microsoft for Startups.

What advice do you have for students, and why do you think they should join the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program?

For students, it’s a chance to develop your skills, both technical and soft. You will always have something new to learn. It’s also a chance to start building your experience even before graduating.

I also believe that there are a lot of amazing people out there, and as much as the program is designed to impact you, you also have a chance to impact the program and your society at large. Only YOU can bring what you have to the table.

Apply and Join the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program

Listen to other Student ambassadors as they share their experience with the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program. 

Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors Program Interview Series Episode 1 – Microsoft Community Hub

Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors Program Interview Series Episode 2 – Microsoft Community Hub

Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors Program Interview Series Episode 3 – Microsoft Community Hub

Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors Program Interview Series Episode 4 – Microsoft Community Hub

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