Preparing for the AI-fueled future: IT generation.next - Tackling Tech
HARJIT DHALIWAL: Hello, everyone. This is Harjit Dhaliwal. Welcome to "Tackling Tech." [Show theme music] Hi! I'm Harjit Dhaliwal, and I'm at Microsoft Ignite in Chicago.
I've had the great pleasure of meeting with some amazing people, especially our future leaders here in Chicago, who we brought together to experience the life of a flagship conference and Microsoft technologies and announcements and the whole gamut. With me is Misael, right? MISAEL MIRANDA MONDRAGON: Yes, Misael, yes. HARJIT: Welcome. MISAEL: Thank you so much for having me. HARJIT: Yeah. MISAEL: And thank you so much
ThinkChicago and i.c.stars for giving me this opportunity to come in for the first time to Microsoft Ignite, and, you know, it's a lot of information and networking, and I've truly enjoyed meeting every single person. I've had some really wonderful experiences so far. HARJIT: Excellent.
MISAEL: Learning about my journey and professionalism to go into where I want to go in the future. HARJIT: All right! That's great. So, tell everyone a little bit about yourself. MISAEL: Yeah. So, my name is Misael.
I'm a Mexican immigrant currently in Chicago. I found my way to technology thanks to i.c.stars, which now has introduced me to ThinkChicago and other wonderful companies here in Chicago that have allowed me to expand my network and grow as a person. When I first got introduced to .c.stars,
it was in the field of technology. i.c.stars helps the underrepresented communities break into the world of technology by using code and such, but after my i.c.stars in 2020 experience,
I fell more in love into the creative field of technology, which, right now, I'm expanding to a social media strategy with my own company called Telemisa, where I try to give people creative solutions for their issues, and, you know, now, we're learning how to actually use Copilot and AI tools to streamline my creative process. HARJIT: Wow, that's amazing. So, the tools that you're learning, yes, especially Copilot, is actually going to enhance your capabilities with what you do? MISAEL: It definitely... The things I've learned today, I realized that Copilot is just your personal assistant, and it really is how you talk to it and interact with it that you can actually, again, streamline your creative process. Sometimes, it's a person that has multiple creative outlets, like writing, photography, social media, you know? Sometimes, it's hard to finish a project because there's just so many points, but now that I've started using the tools like Copilot and the other one, I really have been able to kind of focus. Like, I guess, my ADHD has become like super powerful now because the projects are actually being able to be made instead of saying, "Oh, I have a project that's not working," but with Copilot, today especially, it was Copilot Analytics that kind of like introduced me to a whole new world, and I can't wait for all this other stuff to be released.
HARJIT: So, you can't wait to get... MISAEL: Especially Copilot Studio, too, you know, as a creative person. HARJIT: Oh, yes. Absolutely. MISAEL: It helps with so many aspects of leveraging my... HARJIT: You can create your own Copilots. MISAEL: Uh-hmm. HARJIT: Right? MISAEL: That's the one thing I'm trying to learn more.
When I found out that you can create your own Copilots, I was like. HARJIT: "Wow." MISAEL: "OK, wow." I still need to learn more about that because we actually just did escape room, where we had to use Copilot, and I've used Copilot a couple times, but I realized that I lack a little bit more knowledge. Our board manager--Nisa Inni, actually-- is an expert on Copilot. So., I might actually go and ask her some questions,
but I truly knew after I played the escape room that they have here, I realized Copilot really does help streamline my way of getting out of an escape room. HARJIT: Absolutely. MISAEL: If it can do that, imagine what it can do for her other stuff. HARJIT: Exactly. [Misael laughs]
So, you had the opportunity to sit in the keynote. MISAEL: Yes, yes. HARJIT: And you had some nice seating and stuff like that. What was that experience like, and how was it to see our leader, Satya, on stage right in front of you? MISAEL: I will not deny is it felt like I was in those movies where you see the tech person and they introduce some life-changing technology, and that's exactly what happened, you know? I got introduced to a very life-changing technology. On top of the creative aspect of Copilot, I really do appreciate the conversation of how can we keep our stuff safe and security. So, the introduction of Azure Cloud and they, also, the computer they have that has that security attached to it.
Really, really, I can't wait for... I'm going to try to invest on it next year, you know? HARJIT: Yeah, right. Right. MISAEL: I realize, I'm like, "Oh, need to upgrade my computer. [laughs] HARJIT: Looks like this has been good. MISAEL: Yeah, it's been very good.
HARJIT: You're really excited, I can see that. MISAEL: It's just like a lot of information in one day, but I can't wait to do the next few few days, and I, again... HARJIT: Right. This is just day 1. MISAEL: Yeah, and, again, I want to thank ThinkChicago and i.c.stars. They really, really... What they have done for the students like us, like myself, giving us the opportunity to be in rooms and be able to interact has given me also the knowledge that...
I talked to Jane, who does the VP marketing for Microsoft, and another person. They both gave me really good life advice in regards to my career. Because at times, I've done different types of jobs, but at the end goal, I think I am leaning towards social media marketing and such.
HARJIT: Sure. MISAEL: But they said that they've had many jobs before they got there. HARJIT: Right, right, right. MISAEL: And to not be scared.
HARJIT: It's a stepping stone, right? MISAEL: Yeah, it's a stepping stone. HARJIT: You get there, eventually. MISAEL: So it has been very, what's it called when you, knowledgeable and like enlightening to talk to on site, and, also, meeting you, too. [both laugh] Thanks to Julie and everybody.
It's just like everybody has taught me the power of networking, the power of talking, and the power of like interacting, being in the same room- HARJIT: And the encouragement to come out of your shell. MISAEL: Yes. HARJIT: Don't be shy. You know what? If you don't ask, you're not going to get it. MISAEL: We're all here to learn, you know? HARJIT: We're all here to learn, and so what does your future look like? What are you headed to with this program that you're with? MISAEL: So, thanks to i.c.stars and ThinkChicago, I have had opportunities to... I am an entrepreneur.
I am a creative person. I want to have more creative entrepreneurships. HARJIT: Sure.
MISAEL: You know? Different businesses. Right now, I'm focusing on Telemisa Creative Agency. HARJIT: Yeah. MISAEL: To expand it instead of just being myself, make it an actual agency where we help the smaller demographics, which, I am a Mexican immigrant.
Like, there's a lot of people that don't really use their phones and mobile devices to full potential. HARJIT: Oh, I see. Yeah. MISAEL: So I kind of want to push for people to realize you have a full computer on your phone, that you could do so much so. HARJIT: Oh, yeah. MISAEL: Hoping in the future...
HARJIT: So, giving back to the community, right? Educating the community. MISAEL: Yes. HARJIT: To use the tools that are already there to do more. MISAEL: Because sometimes, let's be real, we waste a lot of time on our phones. [laughs]
HARJIT: Like we say at Microsoft, "Empower every person and organization in the world to achieve all," right? MISAEL: Very much so. [both talk indistinctly] There's so many people that underrepresented demographics that have ideas that haven't been tapped just because they don't have accessibility. HARJIT: Absolutely. MISAEL: And you know, our technology is accessible.
It's just do people know about it, you know? HARJIT: Right, right, right. So, education is important. MISAEL: Uh-hmm. HARJIT: Right, show and tell is important. MISAEL: Show and tell.
HARJIT: And there's people like you who are going to do that, right? MISAEL: I'm pushing myself to do that, but I need to learn too, so. HARJIT: Right, right, right, and so yeah, this is great. It's been great meeting you, and, you know, I've seen you around, and, you know, it also excites me that you're also into social media like myself. MISAEL: You got to be really excited when we start talking about social media.
[Misael laughs] HARJIT: Right, right? And we can do a lot more. You know, we can work together and stuff, right? So, I'm able to help you out, as well. The program's great.
I'm so grateful that we were able to bring you guys together. MISAEL: It really, really is. HARJIT: You know, and meeting IT professionals and meeting, you know, companies that are here. MISAEL: And people from like literally all over the globe, which is still very amazing. HARJIT: Right. MISAEL: Like, I've had conversations with people that I would never really think about having.
HARJIT: Yeah. MISAEL: You know? I talked to somebody, same... I forgot her name, specifically, but she did the escape room, and she gave me that advice, as well. "Keep following. Your career journey is not one straight shot.
Just take the opportunities." HARJIT: Yeah. MISAEL: "Keep networking. Keep talking to people, but follow your passions, as well because that will... HARJIT: And and you make lifelong friends.
MISAEL: Yeah, very much so. HARJIT: So you know what? You start networking, you start building your little bubble of friends, and then they expand. MISAEL: Expand. HARJIT: Expands, right? So, I met up with a couple of guys from Malaysia today, and I had met them last year, as well, right? So they recognized me. They saw me, and, obviously, with my hat, you know, I stood out. MISAEL: You have a look. [laughs]
HARJIT: Right, this is personal branding there for you, and, yeah, so they came up, and they were like, "Hey, we brought this for you from Malaysia," and I'm like, "Great!" MISAEL: That's actually really cool. HARJIT: Really cool, right? MISAEL: Making friends. HARJIT: Making friends and, you know, and you're making impacts, right? It's all about that. It's about helping other people to achieve more. MISAEL: Yeah. HARJIT: We use what we can, build on it. MISAEL: Yeah.
Like when Sunny said when we started, "Never miss a chance to make a first good impression." HARJIT: Yes. MISAEL: You know? And today, it's literally every single time, it's a good first impression no matter what, you know? HARJIT: Yes, yes.
MISAEL: So, I'm trying to take that mentality. I'm glad that I've been able to like break down some, like break down my walls recently, too. HARJIT: Absolutely. MISAEL: But it's the first day, and I'm just like, there's a lot of... HARJIT: There's so much to absorb. MISAEL: So much to absorb. HARJIT: It's like a fire hose, right? MISAEL: But literally, the first-day experience, everybody has made such a big impact in just one day, giving us accessibility to talking to real-life professionals. HARJIT: Yup. MISAEL: When we had the luncheon, I really enjoyed that conversation.
It felt very personal compared to the keynote, which was super huge, but I was overwhelmed how many people were in that room. HARJIT: Thousands. MISAEL: That was like amazing. HARJIT: Thousands, right, right, right. And you guys got here real early, too. MISAEL: We got here early, and we had the full VIP experience thanks to the Microsoft team and everybody. HARJIT: That's great.
So, what's your advice to future leaders, the younger generation than you who are trying to, you know, expand into this area? Well, what would you advise? MISAEL: You know, as someone who has no tech background, but we are all tech adjacent because technology is all around us. Don't be afraid to step out of your box because that's what I did. That's how I actually stumbled upon i.c.stars. I was stuck on a repeating pattern. HARJIT: Perfect MISAEL: As, like, working a regular job, stuck with working, working, and never really moving up to the position I wanted, and I always knew I wanted to help people and make an impact, but I knew bar backing was not... I wasn't going to do anything.
So I posted on Facebook that I was looking to expand my knowledge, but I didn't have money to go to college, and someone on my social media network said, "Hey, I know this program, i.c.stars." I didn't know what it was, but I went in for an interview. HARJIT: Got accepted. MISAEL: I didn't know...
I got accepted. It was a really tough interview, [laughs] like that, but getting the first start of introduced to the tech world, because it's a big world of technology, really expanded my mind into what I could do, and I realized that you have so much more potential... HARJIT: Sure. MISAEL: ...that just needs to be unlocked, and you have the key to unlock it. HARJIT: Someone needs to give you that opportunity, right? MISAEL: You have the key, but you also need people there. HARJIT: Exactly. MISAEL: And you have to be able
to put yourself out there, you know? Social media, the way I got connected to i.c.stars was through social media. HARJIT: The power of social media. MISAEL: Yeah, the power of social media. HARJIT: This is what I tell people all the time.
MISAEL: It really, really was. HARJIT: Use it. It's there for you. If you use it right, it does wonders. MISAEL: It does. It does.
It has connected me to many, many people, but, yeah. HARJIT: So, use social media, folks. MISAEL: That's literally how I got to i.c.stars.
Social media helped me, and, now, I try to spread that word to companies, specifically, and to smaller people to understand your social media is your brand. HARJIT: Yeah. MISAEL: You know? But I have like three social medias. So I have three different brands, but. [laughs] One for the professionals. HARJIT: That's awesome, that's awesome.
This has been a great talk. MISAEL: Thank you so much. HARJIT: Thank you so much. [transition whooshes] And you are? CHARLES TINZIE: I'm Charles Tinzie. I'm a sophomore at UIUC.
I'm a psych major, and I'm into digital media and graphic design. HARJIT: Right. So, this is great. So I had a pleasure of meeting with you. I know you've been busy. You've been here from, you know, early morning with a keynote and things like that. So, you're part of a program, right? Can you explain a little bit about the program, what it does? CHARLES: It's ThinkChicago.
I wasn't a part of the program the whole time, but I know they work with a lot of students, and they try to keep talent in Chicago for business and tech and things of that nature. My point of contact is Nisaini Rexach. HARJIT: I see. Great, great, great. So, when you got the opportunity and they said, "Hey, you're coming to Ignite," and stuff, did you know anything about Ignite or what excited you about it? CHARLES: At first, I didn't know anything about it, but I researched it, and then I think I got excited by the fact that I get to speak to people who are doing things that I want to do and that are in the field that I want to be in, and they've already done what they need to do to be successful.
[both talk indistinctly] HARJIT: So that's what you're looking for, right? CHARLES: Yes, sir. HARJIT: OK. So what are you trying to get into? What's your future plans? CHARLES: I'm looking into like consulting, like productivity, for example, and then I like digital design and graphic design, like for Microsoft, but I just want to find wherever that fits for me. HARJIT: OK. CHARLES: I'm kind of open to a lot of things, yeah.
HARJIT: Kind of, yeah, definitely open to a lot of things. So, what you heard from the keynote today and what have you've been experiencing today, going to breakout sessions and things like that, right? And also, walking around and seeing some of the technologies, what really like sticks out for you? What, you're like, "Man, I really want to go play with that. I really want to see what this can do for me"? CHARLES: I think, for the keynote, I think it's Copilot because there's so many different things that you can do with it, and you can use it for like literally anything you need to use it for, and it makes life really easy. For some of the breakouts, it was nice to see like some of them using the apps and them showing us how we could create our own or, you know, use our own, and then for some of the expo things, they were cool... HARJIT: Sure. CHARLES: ...because we got to talk to people
who were like startups, for example. Like, the startups were nice, and they were showing us how they started their businesses and how we could help if we wanted to join. HARJIT: Well, that's amazing. That's great. That's a good one, actually.
Talking to some of the vendors that we have here at Expo Hall, right, and seeing how they did that with, you know, probably over a napkin or something like that, right? CHARLES: Yeah. HARJIT: Like scribbling and saying like, "Oh, yeah, let's do this," and, now, they're successful. Right? CHARLES: Yeah.
HARJIT: So, that's great. What else? So, what are your other experiences like here? CHARLES: It was different because it was like... It was like talking to people and networking with people that you don't normally network with, and it was nice to like, to meet new people. HARJIT: Yeah. CHARLES: Especially people who, like, care about you and want you to succeed in your future. HARJIT: Right. CHARLES: And I think it was something
that's important for me, like going to school and some other stuff like that'll help me get better and involved. HARJIT: Sure. And I hope you're feeling that genuinely. CHARLES: Yeah. HARJIT: Like, people really do care about you. They do want you to be successful. It's not like, "Oh, I'm not going to... You know, just throw them off a path, whatever," but they really want to give you all the tools and the knowledge and the networking is really important, right? CHARLES: Yeah.
HARJIT: Getting to know the right people and making lifelong friends, too. I'm sure you've met a bunch of people that you're going to try to connect with them. CHARLES: Yeah. HARJIT: So, what is your advice for future leaders? The folks that are behind you or the young folks that are, you know, like, how can they do what you're trying to do now, and what should they do? CHARLES: I think my biggest advice is to soak everything in. Like, any information that you can get, any new, like, experiences that people offer you, do them, take them in, and you find the things that you like and that you find joy in, and it'll be easier for you to pick out what you want to do in the future. HARJIT: Sure, fantastic, yeah.
So, it's been great meeting you. CHARLES: And you. HARJIT: And I know you'll be back again this week. CHARLES: Yes, I will. HARJIT: And, you know,
experience even more, right? Talk to a lot of people. Definitely leverage, you know, things like LinkedIn and, you know, and some social media tools, you know, to keep in the know, right? CHARLES: Yes, sir. HARJIT: You need to do that. It's just not a one-time thing, but you got to keep that going, as well. So, I wish you all the best, all the luck, and it's been a pleasure. CHARLES: Pleasure.
HARJIT: Thank you. [transition whooshes] Hi. I'm here with my new friend, Abi, but he's going to explain and tell you what his real name is.
Welcome. ABIODUN SONEYE: Hello, yes. My name is Abiodun Soneye, Abi for short. It's Nigerian, so I tell people Abi. It's just so simple, and just...
HARJIT: It's simple, yeah. ABIODUN: Yeah, very simple. HARJIT: Yeah, but your name is beautiful. ABIODUN: Thank you. Thank you.
HARJIT: And I also appreciate, you know, you explain you're Nigerian. So amazing. It's awesome. So, you're part of a program. ABIODUN: Yes. HARJIT: Right, that Microsoft, the marketing team brought you here. ABIODUN: Uh-huh. HARJIT: What is this program all about? ABIODUN: Yes.
HARJIT: And how did you get involved with it? ABIODUN: Of course. I'm part of the ThinkChicago program. Last year, when I moved to Chicago, I just transferred. I was looking to get...break into the tech scene. As I started this program called ThinkChicago Ambassador. So, the goal is to connect diverse students like me to tech talent in Chicago. It's like a Chicago talent architecture program.
HARJIT: Right. ABIODUN: So basically, makes... After you graduate, to try to make you stay in Chicago for tech and try to give you bunch like this, network more, and get your video brand up. HARJIT: Sure. ABIODUN: So that's why I got involved into it, and I got invited here, which I'm very grateful for.
HARJIT: Right. And I've heard of tech talent, actually, before, too. ABIODUN: Yes. HARJIT: I was part of another group, another event that actually had some students, and, you know, teaching them soft skills and technical and career stuff and all that fun stuff.
ABIODUN: Yes. HARJIT: Fantastic. So, your first time in Microsoft Ignite? ABIODUN: Yes, first time in Microsoft Ignite. I've been a blast so far. My goal with coming here was like network. I learn more, and so far, I've been doing that.
I've tried to build my network. It's also in this [indistinct], like it's not about who you know. It's about your network is your net worth so about who you know. So I've been learning a lot, meeting new people. My LinkedIn's finished, I have been growing.
So after today, I'm just going to reach out, "Hey, nice to meet you. Hope you stay in touch." So I'm very grateful for that. HARJIT: Yeah, make sure, though, you know, you're creating these new friends and new network. ABIODUN: Yes. HARJIT: Opportunities,
but make sure you keep in touch. ABIODUN: Yes, for sure. HARJIT: Keep in contact. You know, reach out once in a while.
"Hey, you know what, I'm working on this project." ABIODUN: Yes. HARJIT: "Can I get some help here? Do you know who I can"... ABIODUN: I've been so many,
like, directors, managing people, and like they're like, "Reach out sometimes." I said, "Of course, I'm going to." That's why I struggled in the past, but, now, I've learned my lesson.
So, people I'm meeting here today, it's very good opportunity... HARJIT: Yeah, just come out your shell, right? ABIODUN: Yes. HARJIT: And, you know, if you don't ask, you're not going to get it, right? ABIODUN: Exactly. HARJIT: That's what I gave, an advice earlier, too.
So, this is great. So, this is your first Ignite. It's exciting. Is this something that you expected or didn't expect? Like, it's pretty overwhelming, isn't it? It's a lot of people. ABIODUN: Very overwhelming. [Harjit laughs] Like, I didn't think there was going to be this much people because then ticket prices, it's kind of, it's very crazy.
HARJIT: It's insane. ABIODUN: It's insane. This morning, the keynote was amazing. I've always like dreamed about going to events like that and see our companies like showcase their new products and seeing their CEO was very fantastic, learning a lot. HARJIT: Yes. ABIODUN: And seeing the new AI features for the future was amazing. HARJIT: Were you in awe seeing our Microsoft CEO on stage? ABIODUN: Yes. HARJIT: Right there in front of you?
ABIODUN: It was amazing. HARJIT: It was surreal, right? ABIODUN: Yeah, surreal. HARJIT: Yeah, and, you know, and he's a great leader, right? ABIODUN: Yes. HARJIT: And he cares about people,
and he cares about, you know, the technology that we're putting out in the world. ABIODUN: Yes. HARJIT: So, good, good. So, what else? What else have you been experiencing and things like...
Oh, what are some of the technologies that you've heard or seen that it's like, "Wow," it's like, "This is something I really want to get my hands on"? ABIODUN: Yes, I've been... I saw this showcase today for GitHub Copilot. I'm a software engineer. I'm a software engineer intern next year at JP Morgan. So, it's kind of like I code a lot. So, seeing those features to showcase today is going to help me reduce the bug in my code like dramatically. HARJIT: Amazingly.
ABIODUN: Make it more efficient, and it's also kind of scary, too, because it's getting very good and AI, so I guess that's the future. So, I got to just adapt to it. HARJIT: Get on Copilot. ABIODUN: Yes. HARJIT: I love that. I love that.
So, this is great. You know, I see a great future for you. ABIODUN: Thank you. Thank you. HARJIT: Right, and because you are like energetic.
ABIODUN: Yes. HARJIT: You are, like, hungry for knowledge and stuff like that, and you're going to do really well. ABIODUN: Yes, also, I want to say one thing.
Like, I'm very appreciative of being here. I feel like Microsoft should do this more for students. You meet a lot of high-net-worth individuals here to network and try to get me...new Microsoft partners
to learn about their products and what they're actually doing. So, I very appreciate being here. HARJIT: Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, this is great. So, any advice for future leaders or the younger folks behind you? ABIODUN: Yes, some of my friends, he's actually a sophomore, like just talk to more people.
The way I got my internship [indistinct] to just talk to more people, trying to get involved, and see, "Hey, I'm a CA student, and I'm trying to like learn more about what you do. Can you have a coffee chat for 30 minutes?" Just they'll, yeah, will reach out to you. If they're busy, say, "Oh, OK. Schedule time with me," and yeah.
So sometimes, just start. Get yourself out there. Just, closed mouths don't get fed, I guess. HARJIT: Yeah, yeah. That's right. That's right. So closed mouths don't get fed. ABIODUN: Yes, yes. HARJIT: I love that. Excellent. So, this is wonderful.
This is my new friend Abi. ABIODUN: Yes. Nice to meet you. HARJIT: Thank you so much for being here. ABIODUN: Of course. Thanks for having me.
I really appreciate it. HARJIT: I hope you enjoyed listening to these students with their experiences and what they're going to do with AI in the future. It's going to be amazing. Thank you for watching "Tackling Tech."
Like and subscribe to stay tuned for future episodes. We'll see you next time. [Show theme music]
2025-02-25 07:31
