Last week, 11 students from Salford’s MSc Managing AI in Business programme, attended Microsoft’s Social Mobility Day, gaining a valuable opportunity to network with those helping to shape the global artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem.
The core focus of the event, which took place at UA92 (University Academy), was to make social mobility visible through lived experience, creating and amplifying stories that unlock opportunity, while strengthening belonging and showcasing that potential, not background, should shape career outcomes.
The highlights from the day included an inspiring talk from Darren Hardman, CEO of Microsoft UK and Ireland, who spoke about his journey growing up in a working class family from Denton to Microsoft, highlighting visible pathways into careers in tech. The day also included a collaborative hackathon, that saw students challenge themselves to build, train and test an AI agent using Microsoft Copilot Studio.
Junior Nyanga, MSc Managing AI Business student here at Salford, said: “This did not feel like just another university visit, it felt like a glimpse into what higher education can and should become. Not just lectures. Not just theory, but creating environments where students engage with real-world problems, build practical capability and learn directly alongside leaders.
“That openness created a memorable learning experience and made the day feel less like an event and more like genuine collaboration between academia and industry.”
Salford students were joined by students from UA92 and Microsoft employees from across different departments, including members from the Upward leadership team (the company’s Social Mobility Employee Inclusion Network).
They also had the opportunity to network with leading charity partners including Cracking Good Food, an organisation focused on combating food and kitchen poverty across Greater Manchester, and Empower Youth Zone, a charity that oversees Salford Youth Zone and Hideout Youth Zone.
Marie Hamilton, Government Strategic Partnership Director at Microsoft, added: “We hope the students left with a clear view that careers in technology are open to all, because of the real stories they heard on the day that brought that progression to life. We showcased how allyship can create real opportunity for others, helping to break down barriers to social mobility, while equipping them with the critical skills and confidence they need to thrive in the industry.”
The day focused on widening students’ access, building skills and creating pathways into tech careers, giving them the space to ask difficult questions to the panel about the pressing issues in AI today.
Professor Marie Griffiths, Professor of Digital Technologies in Organisations at the University of Salford, added: “This event reflects Salford’s aim to enhance students experience by bridging the gap between academia and industry experience. By engaging with industry experts and exposing students to real-world business problems, they’re better prepared to respond to the demands of industry.”
