Studying AI and inspired by the formidable power and lightning speed of IBM Z
“AI and IBM Z – a match made in tech heaven... where the best of innovation meets unwavering trust.”
What do a million transactions per second look like to an aspiring engineering student?
A flash of lightning.
That’s the illuminating experience Kiruthika Subramani had when she discovered mainframes.
Day in the life of Kiruthika SubramaniLet’s walk through a day in the life of Kiruthika as a student who's absolutely captivated by IBM Z® technology. Imagine waking up to a world where she’s not just a student anymore; she’s an advocate, educator, and leader in the realm of IBM Z as an IBM Z Ambassador Captain. Her mornings kick off with a burst of excitement as she dives into her inbox—it's like opening a treasure trove. She’s greeted by IBM TechXchange and IBM Z updates through the consolidated digest of the community. Some questions in these emails spark her curiosity, some send her on a hunt for answers, some questions make her think, and some answers are so interesting that she takes screenshots.
As she dives deeper into IBM Z, she uncovers the incredible features it offers. Just think about the way it strengthens security, effortlessly handles massive volumes of data, and stands as an unshakable pillar of reliability. These technological marvels work silently behind the scenes, shaping the very industries we rely on day in and day out.
As an IBM Z Ambassador Captain, she has realized it’s not just about tech; it's about being the voice of an incredible platform. She’s not just absorbing knowledge for herself; she’s sharing her passion, gets to spread its benefits and break down complex ideas all while connecting with the IBM Z community, engaging on forums, chatting with professionals who share her enthusiasm, and contributing her insights. “It's like being part of a big, supportive tech family,” says Kiruthika. It sets her apart, giving her the confidence to lead discussions, dream up solutions, and make a real impact.
What inspired Kiruthika to learn about IBM Z?What sparked her interest in Mainframes was the idea of exploring a technology that's not as commonly talked about but has a massive impact behind the scenes. The thought of understanding what powers critical systems in industries like finance and healthcare really intrigued her. Her journey into the world of mainframes started with the IBM Z Student Ambassador program. She discovered the program while
Read moreWhat sparked her interest in Mainframes was the idea of exploring a technology that's not as commonly talked about but has a massive impact behind the scenes. The thought of understanding what powers critical systems in industries like finance and healthcare really intrigued her. Her journey into the world of mainframes started with the IBM Z Student Ambassador program. She discovered the program while researching mainframes online. It was a pleasant surprise. She did not have much exposure to mainframes before joining the IBM Z Student Ambassador program. Even though the learning was challenging at times, it was exciting to start from scratch with IBM Z Xplore–her entry point to learning about mainframes. When it comes to diving deeper into the technical aspects, she explores the vast library of resources that IBM provides. She also finds webinars and workshops to be incredibly useful in understanding the details about the technology.
What motivates Kiruthika about IBM Z?What really excites her in this field is knowing that she’s part of something big behind the scenes. She loves the idea of working with technology that keeps important industries such as banking, healthcare, insurance, government, etc. running smoothly without most people even realizing it. What she finds super cool about IBM Z is how it handles huge amounts of data while being extremely secure. Kiruthika says, “Think of it like a fortress that keeps sensitive information safe & secure. The IBM z16 A02, a smaller, single frame IBM Z, is a powerhouse that can handle up to 1.8 million inference requests per second. This means it's like having a super-smart assistant processing data at lightning speed. And the response time? A mere 1.1 milliseconds–faster than a blink! It's captivating to think of AI and IBM Z working together to make data smarter, security tighter, and insights sharper.”
What sets IBM Z apart and motivates her the most is how it combines old and new. It's like using classic wisdom to power innovative ideas—being part of something timeless and futuristic at the same time.
What helped Kiruthika start her mainframe journey?When she entered this field, it was her hunger for knowledge and her willingness to explore that helped her the most. Being proactive and participating in technical communities played a significant role. Engaging in conversations, attending webinars, and actively contributing to discussions gave her a strong foundation. Surrounding herself with a supportive community of like-minded individuals, whether it was through online forums, workshops, or networking events, was also a huge boost. Learning from others' experiences and insights provided her with valuable guidance and inspiration. Lastly, staying open to continuous learning and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth propelled her forward. The combination of curiosity, community, and a growth mindset truly paved the way for her journey in this field.
Kiruthika’s adviceLooking back at her journey, her advice to her past self and others interested in this path is to embrace challenges with open arms. Each obstacle is a chance to learn and grow, and it's these experiences that shape us into better professionals. Don't be afraid to seek guidance from mentors and fellow enthusiasts—their insights can be incredibly valuable. For someone considering a career in IBM Z or unsure about their pathway, she says don't underestimate the power of curiosity. Dive deep into the technology, explore its nuances, and understand how it fits into the larger tech landscape. And remember, it's okay to start small. Take advantage of resources like the IBM Z Student Ambassador program—it's a fantastic entry point to begin your journey.
So, there you have it—a glimpse into Kiruthika’s life as a student passionate about IBM Z and an IBM Z Ambassador Captain. It's been a journey of exploration, learning, connection, and making meaningful impact—a journey she’s thrilled to be on.
So, what does Kiruthika like to do in her free time?Kiruthika loves the world of memes! In her free time she is exploring them and finding ways to integrate them into her content.
What will you design and build with IBM Z?