The IBM Z Ambassador, Ms Lepepeule Maanaso, a third-year Information and Communications Technology: Applications Development student at the Durban University of Technology was recently part of a global group hosting a virtual event on Enterprise Computing.
Maanaso (21), the tech-enthusiast with an ‘always learning’ spirit and motivation recently joined the IBM Z Ambassador Programme, which is powered by IBM Z and facilitated by Your Big Year.
Giving a brief explanation on the Programme, Maanaso said it works with students across different countries from every background to teach bridging skills from academia to their career.
“I have attended weekly coaching sessions that focused on different topics every week and completed tasks in the programme. I have earned the highest number of badges while completing the Z Ambassador Training, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Training and Personal Growth Training. I learnt about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, personal branding, Enterprising Computing, how to write a blog on the Global Student Hub, time management and Design thinking. I am equipped with an understanding of my personal brand and how to present myself in both a professional and non-professional environment. The programme enabled me to master new abilities and take on new challenges, allowing me to step out of my comfort zone” said Maanaso.
As an IBM Z Ambassador, she stated that her role is to represent all things IBM Z and spread the word about IBM Z student opportunities in her community/campus. She added that as ambassadors they have reached a stage where they must host their own events or workshops, hence the recent event on Enterprise Computing.
“I heard of the IBM Z Ambassador Programme through social media. I came across a post on LinkedIn, posted by Dr. Melissa Sassi, who is the Chief Penguin at IBM Z. The post was about the 2021 applications for the IBM Z Ambassador programme. I was fascinated by the post and saw a valuable opportunity that was worth embarking on,” explained Maanaso.
To be part of the programme, one must be a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) student and be able to volunteer an hour or two a week of their time to being a Z Ambassador.
Her goal is to continue developing her communication, leadership, organisational and tech skills.
“Being the go-to person for all things IBM Z related at my university will benefit my fellow scholars by introducing them to new tools and providing opportunities to up-skill their current Enterprise Computing knowledge set for both beginners and those advanced,” she added.
Speaking about her journey as a Z Ambassador, Maanaso said it has been amazing and she has acquired extensive knowledge.
Her advice to fellow students is to explore different opportunities, even if they are challenging at first. She believes every single person begins as a novice.
“If you say ‘yes’ to that one opportunity, you never know what life changing opportunities will show up. Being an IBM Z Ambassador is more than just a chance; it is a once in a lifetime opportunity with a remarkable experience that you can take with you wherever you go,” advised Maanaso.
She said if this sounds like something students would be interested in, they must keep an eye for the 2022 applications at: https://yourbigyear.com/z-ambassador-powered-by-ibm
View Maanaso’s achievement on: https://yourbigyear.com/badges-lepepeule-maanaso
Pictured: Ms Lepepeule Maanaso, IBM Z Ambassador
Simangele Zuma and Waheeda Peters.
