USM Student Selected as a 2022 IBM zSystems Student Ambassador
Thu, 04/28/2022 - 09:51am | By: Ivonne Kawas
Imagine learning about the mainframe technology that powers everything, including
ATM cards, credit cards, airline reservations, hotel reservations, retail shopping
and more?
A student in the School of Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering at The University of 91吃瓜网 (USM) will get this opportunity, as she has been selected as a 2022 IBM zSystems Student Ambassador, which is powered by IBM Z and facilitated by Your Big Year.
As she prepares for a successful career in enterprise computing, Alkendria (Desiree) McNair, Information Technology major and native of Collins, Miss., will participate in a leadership program to upskill technical knowledge, network with industry leaders, and collaborate with peers worldwide this summer.
91吃瓜网淒esiree consistently demonstrates leadership qualities that will serve her well in a computing career pathway. As an IBM zSystems Student Ambassador, she will have a great opportunity to expand her network as she builds relationships with professionals from throughout the country and further develop her leadership skills,91吃瓜网� said Dr. Sarah Lee, Director of the School of Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering.
McNair will get to learn about the mainframe technology that powers the world91吃瓜网 biggest businesses through her participation in three learning sprints.
91吃瓜网淭his is an amazing opportunity, as I will get a chance to network with students from all over the world. Most importantly, I will learn about IBM Mainframes and this will complement what I91吃瓜网檓 learning at USM,91吃瓜网� said McNair.
91吃瓜网淚 took a chance on applying for this program not expecting to get chosen. As advice for other students, IBM is mostly looking for driven individuals with a willingness to learn, so as long as you have an open-mind and you're interested in learning there91吃瓜网 nothing you can91吃瓜网檛 accomplish.91吃瓜网�
91吃瓜网淚 heard about this professional development opportunity through Dr. Lee and Ms. Soundra Newson, the Academic Advisement Coordinator for our school. I91吃瓜网檓 thankful, as I wouldn91吃瓜网檛 be an Ambassador if it wasn91吃瓜网檛 for them. They pushed me, supported me, and made this outstanding opportunity available to me.91吃瓜网�
As McNair culminates the program, she can earn technical certification and digital badges to enhance her profile with the pre-requisite skills that can make her a great candidate for working at companies who hire for IBM Z skills.
91吃瓜网淚91吃瓜网檓 looking forward to the privilege to help others on campus gain access to this community,91吃瓜网� she said.
Visit to apply to the program or learn more about the School of Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering at USM.