From Miami to Microsoft, Samantha Fernandez is making her mark in tech—fueled by curiosity, grit, and a passion for solving real-world problems.
Meet Sam
Samantha Fernandez—known to most as Sam—was born and raised in Miami, Florida, as a proud first-generation Cubana. She graduated from FIU in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and now works in Seattle, Washington, as a Product Manager at Microsoft.
Paving the Way Through Internships
Sam’s journey into tech wasn’t linear. She began as a QA Analyst at a local company before joining Disney+, where she strengthened her debugging and testing skills. That experience led to a Software Engineering internship at American Express, which ultimately sparked her interest in product strategy and user experience.
“I realized I enjoyed understanding customer needs and building solutions more than just writing code,” she says. Determined to pivot, she shadowed product managers, expanded her network through alumni connections, and applied what she learned to land her current role at Microsoft.
She encourages students to approach college with purpose. “Your class projects don’t have to just check a box—try to solve real problems, even if it’s just a prototype,” she says. She also emphasizes the value of community: “Competitions like ShellHacks and conferences like Grace Hopper, SHPE, and Emerge Americas offer opportunities to meet people, grow your skills, and get exposure to what’s out there.”
Navigating Challenges & Learning on the Job
Landing that first internship was her biggest hurdle. “I felt like I wasn’t ‘qualified enough’ compared to others,” she admits. But getting involved with organizations like INIT and WiCs, attending campus events, and staying curious helped her gain the confidence she needed.
Once she started working, another surprise awaited: “I didn’t expect how much of the job was about people. It’s not just about technical execution—it’s about communication, collaboration, and understanding users.”
Now, as a Product Manager, no two days are the same. Sam starts by reviewing user feedback and data to identify pain points. She collaborates with engineers, designers, and other PMs to align priorities, write product specs, and strategize on new features. “And I always carve out time to keep learning—whether it’s AI trends or competitive research.”
One of her proudest moments? Launching a feature on Azure’s Cloud Console that improved infrastructure observability. “Seeing users adopt it and say it made their day-to-day easier—that was incredibly fulfilling.”
FIU’s Lasting Impact
While her coursework provided a solid technical base, Sam says FIU’s emphasis on hands-on work made the biggest difference. “What prepared me most were the experiences that pushed me to apply what I learned—whether through hackathons, internships, or group projects,” she says.
Transitioning from student life to the workplace came with a learning curve. “As a student, your schedule is structured. In the workforce, it’s meetings, deliverables, and ambiguity,” she explains.
Her tips for students?
- Set boundaries: “Don’t overwork just to prove yourself.”
- Keep learning: “Your first job won’t teach you everything.”
- Own your path: “Align with your manager on what success looks like.”
- Stay connected: “Your classmates are your future network.”
Advice to the Next Generation
If she could go back and give her younger self advice, it would be this:
“That incredible opportunity at Meta, Google, Netflix, or Microsoft? It’s not out of reach. I spent too much time feeling like I wasn’t ‘enough.’ But you grow into opportunities. With the right mindset and experience, no goal is too far.”
And for those beginning their job search: “It’s not just about sending 100 applications—it’s about building relationships. Conversations open more doors than applications ever will.”