Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

The IBM Z Student Ambassador program aims to equip students with valuable mainframe technology and personal development skills to prepare them for a successful IBM Z related career path. 

UPSKILL your technical knowledge of mainframe, NETWORK with industry leaders and peers, GAIN credentials to kickstart your career in this selective leadership program run in partnership between IBM Z and Your Big Year.

What is Your Big Year (YBY)? 

Your Big Year is a youth empowerment program designed by International Connector, San Francisco. We envision a world where young people can reach their full capacity and apply their unique capabilities to solving the world’s most pressing challenges. Our long-term goal is to provide equitable opportunities as we believe anyone can make an impact - big or small.

YBY has partnered with IBM Z to facilitate the IBM Z Student Ambassador program.

What are IBM Z and mainframe technology? 

The IBM Z mainframe technology powers the world's biggest businesses. It is EVERYWHERE around you.
IBM Z powers ATM cards, credit cards, airline reservations, hotel reservations, retail shopping & so much more! This technology is used for mission-critical applications that bring next-level data privacy, security, and resilience to your hybrid multi-cloud solution. These are the behind-the-scenes systems running apps - from networking to infrastructure.

FACT CHECK: 68% of the world’s production IT workloads run on mainframe systems. Find out more information HERE. 


Why should I consider a career in IBM Z or mainframe technology (aka enterprise computing)?

Where are IBM Z and enterprise computing skills required?

 

What is the duration of the IBM Z Student Ambassador Program?

September 2025 - May 2026

Note: We operate a rolling application system so you can join at any point in the year.

How much time per week does the program require?

We recommend at least 5 hours per week 

Is the program free to all selected candidates?

Yes. The program and all the learning materials are provided for free to all the applicants.

How do I get notified if my application is successful?

All communications are conducted through email. We recommend using your official school email address when applying for the program.

Can I apply again if my application is unsuccessful?

Yes, you can re-apply the following year.

Does the program provide access to IBM learning resources?

IBM Z Student Ambassadors get access to IBM Z learning resources in the following ways:

  1. access to Interskills, Z Xplore and Global Student Hub

  2. invitations to IBM Z learning events with IBM experts/employees

Do I get access to IBM employees as speakers for my University events?

Yes. Many IBM employees and IBM Z Champions volunteer to be guest speakers for your events. In addition, the team supports you in finding a speaker whenever you have an event.

Do I get the chance to network with my peers globally?

Yes. Your Big Year platform brings all the selected IBM Z Student Ambassadors to one platform where they can share their learnings and interact with their peers. 

Can I also develop my personal skills?

The program believes that technical and non-technical skills are essential for a successful career in enterprise computing. Therefore, the program incorporates personal skills courses into the curriculum, and you also earn a badge for that.

What’s next after the IBM Z Ambassador program?

Outstanding Z Ambassadors with leadership potential who have completed the IBM Z Xplore Advanced badge are nominated to be Z Ambassador Captains, a leadership platform that gives you access to further opportunities and places you on the right track to becoming an IBM Champion. 

Click HERE to find out more about IBM Champions

What are the eligibility requirements to be considered for the program?

To become an IBM Z Student Ambassador, it's essential to complete the Concepts badge on the IBM Z Xplore platform within the initial two weeks. This badge offers in-depth training on mainframe technology basics and fundamentals. We recommend kickstarting this training immediately.

The Program is open for applicants who meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Enrollment in a university, college, or diploma program, pursuing an undergraduate degree.

  • Studying on-campus

  • Age: 18 years or above.

  • Proficiency in English at an intermediate level.

  • Successful submission of the complete Program application form.

  • Registered on the IBM Z Xplore platform

  • Residence of the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Peru, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA (including US territories), Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Kingdom.

Are there terms and conditions to applying?

Yes, all applications require an agreement to the Terms & Conditions.

What do you look for in IBM Z Student Ambassador?

  • You are a student in a university, college or someone with interest in enterprise computing and other tech-related topics

  • You have a track record of engaging in leadership activities or demonstrate a willingness to learn

  • You are a proactive individual ready to take up responsibilities in equipping yourself and your peers with IBM Z skills

  • You are ready to diversify your skill-set to become a well-rounded individual with the required technical skills and interpersonal and organizational assets necessary for a successful career in enterprise computing

How are the successful candidates selected?

Applicants judged by:

  • Personal Initiative

  • Planning & Organization

  • Proactivity

  • Communication Skills

  • Activity on social media

  • Prior Learning & Sharing

  • Presentation skills

  • Autonomy

  • Leadership skills

  • Passion for computer science

I am part of a university, college, educational institution, or organization interested in forming a partnership to provide the opportunity to my students. Whom should I contact? 

We are excited to discuss how we can work together to provide the opportunity to your students. Kindly send an email to: info@yourbigyear.com