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From ���ϳԹ��� to Microsoft: A Journey in Cloud and AI

"Take advantage of opportunities when they come your way—luck plays a role, but being prepared makes all the difference."

For Maximiliano Uribe, a passion for technology and a strong support system at ���ϳԹ��� led him to a successful career at Microsoft. Graduating in Fall 2024 with a Bachelor's in Computer Science from ���ϳԹ���, Maximiliano is now a Software Engineer I at Microsoft, specializing in Cloud and AI. His journey was shaped by strategic networking, active involvement in student organizations, and hands-on technical experience in Kubernetes and cloud infrastructure.

Breaking into Microsoft: Strategic Internships

Maximiliano's career in tech began early when he landed his first Microsoft internship through the Explore Program, a unique opportunity aimed at freshmen and sophomores. This experience paved the way for two additional software engineering internships, each helping him refine his expertise in Kubernetes and Cloud Infrastructure.

"At first, I didn't apply to most internships people recommended, but after Aldo got into Microsoft, he told me about Explore, and I decided to apply last minute. Two weeks later, I got it."

Maximiliano wasn't initially aware of the Explore Program until fellow ���ϳԹ��� alum Aldo Sánchez encouraged him to apply. This demonstrates the power of the alumni network and peer mentorship within ���ϳԹ���'s computer science community.

Additionally, Maximiliano participated in Google's Tech Exchange program, an opportunity that expanded his technical skills and industry exposure. A ���ϳԹ��� professor encouraged him to apply, reinforcing the role that faculty mentorship played in his academic journey.

Microsoft Experience: From Cloud Infrastructure to AI

After successfully completing three internships at Microsoft, Maximiliano returned full-time as a Software Engineer, working on projects related to Kubernetes and AI. While he has worked on the same product throughout his time at Microsoft, he has been part of four different teams, each with distinct responsibilities.

"My product is Kubernetes, so it's in the cloud. My first year was with the resource provider team, which manages container provisioning. Then, I moved to the data plane team, working on data storage for containers. My third internship was in AI, and now I'm in a different team, still within Kubernetes but doing something new."

When asked why he kept returning to Microsoft, Maximiliano cited strong team culture, growth opportunities, and mentorship:

"I was considering switching companies after Tech Exchange, but my team and managers were really supportive. My team also has one of the best growth statistics in the company, so I knew there were strong career opportunities if I stayed."

Now based in Seattle, WA, he continues to develop cloud-based AI tools and explore innovations in cloud automation.

Leadership at ���ϳԹ���: Coding Interview Club

A defining part of Maximiliano's ���ϳԹ��� experience was his three-year involvement in the Coding Interview Club (CIC). He started as an active member, later took on social media responsibilities, and eventually became Vice President.

His leadership role involved:

• Managing recruitment efforts: Helping more ���ϳԹ��� students prepare for coding interviews
• Collaborating with other student organizations: Increasing diversity and cross-discipline involvement
• Organizing coding workshops: Preparing students for internship opportunities through mock interview sessions

"The biggest change I saw over the years was more collaboration between student organizations. When I started, groups were disconnected, but in my later years, we actively worked with other clubs and the department to build a more connected CS community."

This broader Hispanic STEM community at ���ϳԹ��� played a critical role in shaping his career. He encourages students to seek out similar support systems and build strong professional networks.

AI & Industry Trends: Where Microsoft Is Heading

Now working at one of the world's top tech companies, Maximiliano is excited about AI's growing influence in cloud computing.

"AI today is what Computer Science was 10 years ago—if you get in now, you're ahead of the curve."

At Microsoft, Copilot is one of the company's AI initiatives, aiming to integrate AI-powered automation into cloud-based workflows. Maximiliano explains how AI is transforming cloud services:

"If your cloud server fails today, you need to debug it manually. Microsoft is integrating Copilot into cloud systems so users can simply ask, 'What's wrong?' and AI will suggest fixes automatically."

He notes that while many universities only offer AI as a minor or concentration, ���ϳԹ���'s dedicated AI bachelor's degree prepares students for:

• Machine Learning & AI Development: A core part of future software solutions
• AI-Powered Cloud Computing: Where AI meets large-scale infrastructure
• Data Science & Predictive Analytics: Critical for automation and decision-making

As AI adoption accelerates in companies like Microsoft, Google, and Apple, specialized AI degrees provide direct pathways into these roles.

Advice for ���ϳԹ��� Students

Maximiliano's advice to current students focuses on preparation and community:

• Practice coding interviews consistently: Start early and maintain regular practice
• Join student organizations: They provide essential support and networking opportunities
• Build a strong professional network: Mentors and peers can open doors to unexpected opportunities
• Be ready when opportunities come: Preparation meets opportunity to create success

"One of the most impactful things alumni can do is bring their company's recruiters to ���ϳԹ���. It directly creates job opportunities for students."

Alumni Engagement and Giving Back

Maximiliano believes alumni play a crucial role in supporting current students by:

• Bringing recruiters from their companies to ���ϳԹ���: Creating direct job opportunities
• Hosting tech talks: Sharing insights on AI, cloud computing, and software development
• Providing mentorship: Helping students navigate career decisions and technical challenges

"We also have alumni in different areas of tech—cloud, AI, security—so organizing talks about real-world applications would be valuable."

Maximiliano Uribe's journey from ���ϳԹ��� to Microsoft's Cloud & AI teams highlights the power of persistence, community, and preparation. His story serves as an inspiration to ���ϳԹ��� students looking to enter big tech—reminding them that with the right mindset and a strong network, breaking into top companies is possible.