When I first arrived at the University of Maryland as a business analytics and operations management student in 2021, I knew I wanted a career that combined data-driven thinking with meaningful client impact. What I didn’t know was that this path would lead me into the world of IBM Z, and ultimately to the incredible SHARE community.
My mainframe journey began in 2024 when I interned with IBM Z hardware on the financial services market team as a brand technical specialist. Coming into the role, I was excited but unsure what to expect as I had never heard of a mainframe before.
But very quickly, I realized I had stepped into a culture where people genuinely wanted to see me succeed. I met with financial clients across the United States, observed how technical solutions translated into business value, and learned how trusted relationships are built over time. What stood out most wasn’t just the technology — it was the people. Senior sellers, technical specialists, and mentors took the time to answer my questions, bring me into meetings, and help me understand not just what we were selling, but why it mattered.
That internship solidified my interest in IBM Z, and in July 2025, I joined IBM full time.
The Value of Mentorship and Hands-On Experience
One of the most transformative experiences early in my career was attending IBM Global Sales School. It was here that I sharpened the skills that would define my client facing approach. I learned how to ask thoughtful, strategic questions not just to uncover technical requirements, but to understand broader business priorities. I practiced how to position solutions in a way that connects with executives and technical leaders alike. Most importantly, I learned that selling isn’t about pitching products; it’s about building relationships, establishing trust, and solving real problems.
After Sales School, I officially joined as a brand technical specialist for IBM Z hardware and LinuxONE in the Horizon Northeast market. Transitioning from intern to a full-time seller was both exciting and humbling. I began by shadowing experienced team members, observing how they navigated complex conversations and long sales cycles. Over time, I moved from listening to leading, taking ownership of LinuxONE prospecting for whitespace accounts, which are those accounts without a Z presence. Prospecting in whitespace accounts has challenged me to be proactive and strategic. It requires research, persistence, and creativity to identify new opportunities and articulate the value of enterprise grade infrastructure in a rapidly evolving IT landscape.
Paying It Forward: Empowering Those New to Z
As I’ve grown in my role, I’ve also become deeply passionate about giving back to the New to Z community. I know what it feels like to be new, navigating unfamiliar terminology, trying to understand the ecosystem, and wondering how I can make an impact. Because of that, I’ve made it a priority to support others, like me, who are just beginning their journeys.
Internally at IBM, I host Z workshops for new hires, breaking down core concepts and sharing practical insights from my own experience. Externally, I’ve had the opportunity to present at colleges, speaking to students about careers in enterprise technology and the unexpected opportunities within the Z ecosystem. I want students to see what I didn’t initially realize — IBM Z is innovative, dynamic, and filled with career paths that blend business and technology.
One of the most meaningful milestones in my New to Z journey was the opportunity to serve as a co-speaker at SHARE Orlando 2026, alongside Kenny Stine, principal IBM Z technical specialist - Worldwide Systems Center - North America, and Mitchell Bride, technical enablement specialist for IBM Z hardware - Worldwide Systems Center at IBM. Standing on that stage was a full-circle moment. Just a few months ago, I was the one absorbing as much knowledge as possible and now I’m the one contributing to the conversation.
Through SHARE, I was introduced to a broader community of clients, IBMers, and business partners who are deeply invested in the future of mainframe technology. The energy and collaboration within the SHARE community reinforced something I’ve felt since my internship — success in this space is built on shared knowledge and mutual support. SHARE is more than a conference — it’s a community of professionals who are committed to pushing the platform forward while welcoming the next generation.
Looking back, my New to Z story is really about technical, professional, and personal growth. From a student at the University of Maryland to a brand technical specialist prospecting LinuxONE whitespace accounts, each step has been shaped by mentors, teammates, and clients who were willing to invest in me. Now, I’m committed to paying it forward.
Whether it’s through hosting internal workshops, presenting at universities, or speaking at SHARE, my goal is simple: to help others see the opportunity within IBM Z and to feel supported as they step into it. The technology is powerful, but the community is what truly makes it special.
If my journey has taught me anything, it’s that being New to Z isn’t a limitation, it’s an opportunity. And through communities like SHARE, that opportunity only continues to grow.
Moesha Malik is a brand technical specialist for IBM Z hardware and LinuxONE in the Horizon Northeast market. As a recent graduate of the University of Maryland, Robert H. Smith School of Business, she earned a degree in business analytics & operations management. Malik began her journey with IBM in 2024 as an intern supporting the Z hardware financial services market team before joining full time in July 2025. She is passionate about growing the next generation of Z professionals by hosting internal workshops for new hires and presenting at colleges to share opportunities in enterprise technology. Malik also co-presented at SHARE Orlando 2026, engaging with the broader Z community. Outside of her day-to-day role, she enjoys meeting new faces, public speaking, and building meaningful professional relationships.
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