Getting to know datacenter employees: Zaya Medici
Microsoft’s success depends on our people. We are proud to introduce some of the talented folks in your community who work in our global datacenters. Discover what inspired them to pursue a career in the tech industry, the different pathways they pursued, and what a day in the life of a datacenter employee looks like.
Introducing Zaya Medici
Datacenter Technician
South Hill, Virginia
Employee since 2024
Early days
After graduating high school, Zaya was eager to pursue a career in information technology but was unsure where to start. Encouraged by his mother, Zaya took an IT summer class which turned out to be a great decision for him. In 10 weeks, he had covered a semester’s worth of material and passed the CompTIA Tech+ exam. Recognizing his potential, Zaya’s instructors recommended him to the Microsoft Datacenter Academy, where he earned his CompTIA A+ Certification. Zaya then worked as a contractor for Microsoft and within two months secured a full-time position. For Zaya, it was an honor to be one of the few 19-year-old employees hired by Microsoft. This experience reaffirmed that hard work truly pays off.
The path to technology
From a young age, Zaya has been passionate about computers and disassembling them. At the age of 14, he saved enough money to purchase his first laptop, which allowed him to teach himself how to upgrade RAM and storage. Although these were modest beginnings, this early experience with technology significantly contributed to Zaya’s ability to quickly grasp concepts during his initial IT college courses. This hands-on experience not only fueled his curiosity but also laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors in the field of information technology. It has been a continuous journey of learning and growth, and Zaya is excited to further develop his skills and knowledge.
Superpowers
Zaya excels at quickly grasping new concepts and working independently. His growth mindset and eagerness to learn serve him well at Microsoft. Zaya collaborates with an amazing team that invests time in teaching him new skills, ensuring that he can perform tasks independently before moving on to the next challenge. His keen attention to detail is invaluable in his daily life, as it allows him to identify patterns in everything. Additionally, Zaya’s ability to adapt to new situations has proven to be a useful asset. He is committed to continuous improvement and looks forward to a long career at Microsoft!
A day in the life
A typical workday for Zaya begins with a morning meeting with his team to discuss risk assessments and set priorities for the day. He then independently manages his own tickets and assists team members to the best of his ability. In his free time, Zaya enjoys staying active by going to the gym and honing his piano skills, inspired by his talented sisters who are all accomplished musicians.
Favorite childhood food
Having grown up with an Italian mother, Zaya can confidently say that giardiniera is his favorite food. It can best be described as a combination of pickled vegetables marinated in olive oil. While Zaya enjoys eating it straight from the jar, it also makes an excellent topping for pasta, pizza, sandwiches, or just about any dish.
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