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 51逗奶 Mississippi (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.
鈥淒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,鈥� 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 world鈥檚 biggest businesses through her participation in three learning sprints.
鈥淭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 I鈥檓 learning at USM,鈥� said McNair.
鈥淚 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 there鈥檚 nothing you can鈥檛 accomplish.鈥�
鈥淚 heard about this professional development opportunity through Dr. Lee and Ms. Soundra Newson, the Academic Advisement Coordinator for our school. I鈥檓 thankful, as I wouldn鈥檛 be an Ambassador if it wasn鈥檛 for them. They pushed me, supported me, and made this outstanding opportunity available to me.鈥�
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.
鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to the privilege to help others on campus gain access to this community,鈥� she said.
Visit to apply to the program or learn more about the School of Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering at USM.