As someone who has been involved in the IT industry for over 25 years, I have always believed in the power of mentorship. Recently, I had the opportunity to participate as a mentor in the Microsoft Data & AI Bootcamp. The bootcamp was designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to enter the IT industry. It was awesome to see so many bright minds eager to learn and grow.
One of the features of the bootcamp was the mentoring circles. These circles allowed us, the mentors, to engage with small groups of students, providing personalized guidance and insights. It was a fantastic way for student to ask those curly questions that aren’t just related to the technology by more about their career path, next steps, where to start and how to go about achieving their ambitions.
Want to hear some of my advice? You can read more about that in this Microsoft post https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-mvp-communities-blog/industry-mentoring-matters/ba-p/4206914
What I’m sharing here is my experience, which is that mentoring is a two-way street. While I was there to guide and support the students, I found myself learning from them as well. Their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas were truly inspiring. It’s a reminder that learning is a lifelong journey, and we can always gain new insights from those around us.
I am grateful to have been a part of the Microsoft Data & AI Bootcamp. It was a rewarding experience that reinforced my belief in the importance of mentorship. I hope to have the opportunity to participate in future bootcamps and continue supporting the next generation of IT professionals.
Cameron Dwyer 