Industry Spotlight: Natalie Sanchez, Microsoft Senior Learning & Development Technical Trainer

“I tell everyone—if I could’ve earned my four-year degree from NOVA, I would have. The teachers were great, their expectations clear, and there was always support when I needed it.”

Natalie Sanchez began her college journey as a liberal arts major planning to become a preschool teacher. That changed after she discovered a passion for IT. “There’s always something new—so it’s hard to get bored.”

She credits NOVA Professor Tierney Pitzer for inspiring her. “I took Java and Python with her. She’d often share how she was the only woman in the room—and the smartest. She was unapologetically herself. If she didn’t figure something out the first time, she kept going. She tied coding to real life, which made it easier to understand.”

After graduation, Natalie worked IT support for a local engineering firm, assisting with software, internal applications, and mobile devices. In 2020, she was hired as a data center technician at Microsoft. Her responsibilities included troubleshooting servers, deploying equipment, and learning the networking side of IT.

Two years later, she transitioned into a technical trainer role—still hands-on with equipment, but more focused on people. “I helped onboard new hires, introducing them to Microsoft’s culture, benefits, and data centers before moving into technical training.”

She now serves as a Senior Learning & Development Technical Trainer, with added responsibilities in program and people management. Her days begin with checking emails for overnight updates—“Things can shift fast in IT.” She monitors training compliance, reminds team members of required tasks, and stays ahead by upskilling for upcoming tech rollouts.

She also mentors colleagues—helping with résumés, LinkedIn profiles, or offering guidance on internal career paths. “The most rewarding part is seeing new hires excited to join Microsoft—and watching them grow into new roles.”

Natalie hopes to become a Learning Program Manager. With Microsoft’s support, she’s completing a boot camp for her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and collaborates on projects to build experience. Her manager encourages exploration, as long as she maintains her workload. “As a trainer, I see both sides—what the learner needs and how to manage a program.”

 Her advice for future IT professionals:

“IT has so many branches—stay curious. Don’t lock yourself into one path too early. I thought I’d be a programmer because I loved coding, but if I hadn’t explored, I wouldn’t have discovered data centers, which is where I really found my place.

“I know it’s tempting to give up when life gets hard, but keep your eye on the bigger picture. Imagine the possibilities that come from pushing through—the education, the hard work, and the opportunities that follow.”

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Industry Spotlight: Timur Vafin, Microsoft Critical Environment Engineer 

“I started out at a community college, too. I was born in Russia, English isn’t my first language, and I moved to the U.S. with very little money. Now I work at Microsoft and attend graduate school at UPenn—an Ivy League school. The point is, it’s doable.”

Timur Vafin, a Critical Environment Engineer at Microsoft and a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania, has overcome many challenges on his path to success.

In 2011, at age 19, Timur moved from western Russia to the U.S. to pursue an education. While he could read and write in English, speaking it was a struggle. He enrolled at Atlantic Cape Community College in New Jersey, where he earned an associate degree in science while working in the auto industry.

Over two years, Timur became fluent in English and was impressed by the quality of instruction. He transferred to Drexel University in Philadelphia, where the fast-paced quarter system was a new challenge—but one he successfully managed. He used his 1 hour and 15-minute train commute from New Jersey to study, ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

After graduating, Timur interned at ExxonMobil’s Louisiana refinery, receiving extensive training in machinery, controls, and regulatory compliance.

When COVID disrupted the oil industry, Timur pivoted to tech. AWS contacted him via LinkedIn, and he accepted a position as a Data Center Mechanical Engineer in Herndon. Like ExxonMobil, AWS offered strong professional development and hands-on training.

In 2023, he joined Microsoft as a Critical Environment Engineer. His role combines technical responsibilities with program management—overseeing construction, maintenance, equipment procurement, and cooling systems for data centers. He’s gained deep expertise in various systems and learned to prioritize safety and efficiency.

“Half my time is at a computer; the other half, I’m in the field—building, fixing things, and seeing the results of my work,” Timur says. “It’s rewarding to be productive and see tangible outcomes.”

While working full time, Timur is also completing a master’s in computer and information technology from UPenn, with graduation expected this spring.

His advice for future IT professionals:

 “LinkedIn matters. Choose a path that opens the most doors, even if you’re not sure where it leads. STEM skills are flexible—engineers often move into medicine or finance because of their analytical mindset. Don’t just take the path of least resistance. Set boundaries, take advantage of training, and always keep a growth mindset. Be adaptable and committed to learning—even when the topic isn’t one you love.”