Mainframe ABCs
As a newly minted IBM Z Student Ambassador, you will work closely with your student and campus community to talk about all things related to IBM Z Enterprise Computing. This page contains all the information and refreshers you might need to be able to talk about it confidently with your peers.
Remember, completing IBM Z Xplore Concepts and Advance badges provides you with a huge skillset that will help you in your mainframe career. These skills can lead you to jobs in companies such as banks, airlines, hotels, large corporations, and of course IBM! As an IBM Z Student Ambassador, you are helping not only yourself kickstart a career path, but also helping your peers on campus.
What is IBM Z mainframe technology?
Your Quick Elevator Pitch!
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!
Imagine standing out in the tech world by mastering cutting-edge mainframe technology with the IBM Z Xplore Concepts badge. This badge isn't just another credential—it's a gateway to high-demand skills in enterprise computing.
By earning it, you'll dive into the powerful IBM Z systems, learning foundational concepts that major corporations rely on. It's an incredible opportunity to enhance your resume, gain hands-on experience, and position yourself as a future-ready professional in a niche yet essential field.
Ready to make your mark? Let's explore the world of IBM Z together!
Helpful tools
We have tools to help you learn about or present the basics of mainframe technology:
1. Concepts Badge
As an IBM Z Student Ambassador you have already earned your Concepts badge. Let’s help your peers learn mainframe basics by earning their Concepts badge.
Remember to give them your referral code!
Your peers at Western University in Canada have created teaching videos. Play now
2. Presentation Deck
This deck contains a basic overview of mainframe technology.
Here are versions of the decks in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Check them out.
How do I teach people about IBM Z Xplore and the Concepts badge?
Note: The tips and talking points provided here have been exclusively shared by Monica Siegel, IBM Z Xplore Technical Enablement Specialist.
1. Provide examples of use cases
Explain that mainframes are critical for everyday tasks like booking flights because they store and process large amounts of data efficiently. This helps students connect with familiar concepts.
2. Help them navigate the platform
Show them how to access content through the top banner, the carousel, or the "Learn" tab in the top left corner. Demonstrate how to search the forum using keywords (e.g., "JCL3 error") and create a new post with detailed information if the answer isn't found.
3. Explain how to earn badges
Show how to check their progress in their profile. Share how long challenges took and any tips/tricks you found helpful.
4. Show how to access their ZID and Z password
Explain that users can find their ZID and Z Password in the VSC1 Challenge or the Password Reset Challenge. Remind them that passwords expire every 60 days.
5. Explain how they can retake challenges
Show them where to find PDFs on the Completed tab to review challenges without earning points again.