Class of 2022 Alumnus Evan on a new chapter at Microsoft

Now interning as a Business Programme Manager at Microsoft while studying at the University of Toronto, CIS Class of 2022 alumnus Evan Lowe offers a glimpse into the fast-moving world of business and AI. He reflects on the skills that have brought him here, the surprises of working at a tech giant, and why staying adaptable can open doors to unexpected opportunities.

What have you been up to since graduating from CIS?

After completing my National Service in 2024, I moved to Canada to begin university. I’m currently in my third year at my dream university, the University of Toronto, studying in the Rotman Commerce program while completing an internship at Microsoft. It’s been a big transition from Singapore, but I’ve had the opportunity to explore my interests in business, technology, and data while gaining professional experience alongside my studies.

What influenced your decision to pursue Commerce with a focus on Data Science?

Growing up, I was never the most analytically gifted student. That started to change at CIS, where IB Economics and Mathematics broadened my perspective and sparked my interest in using data to understand real-world problems, particularly through econometrics.

Ms. Antony had a big influence on me as well. She always pushed me to think more deeply in class rather than simply accept an answer at face value. That way of thinking has stayed with me and has helped me tremendously at university and in my career so far.

You’re now getting a first-hand look at what it’s like to work for a tech giant. What has surprised you most about your experience at Microsoft so far?

What has surprised me most is how much AI is narrowing the gap between traditionally “technical” and “non-technical” roles. Having strong fundamentals still matters, but things that once seemed completely out of reach for someone without a traditional technical background, like building AI agents, websites, automations, or databases, are becoming much more accessible through low-code and no-code tools. That has changed how I think about my own career. I don’t necessarily have to choose between business and technology. 

Microsoft has also challenged me in a completely different way. Working within a Chief of Staff organisation means I’m rarely doing the same thing twice. One day I might be learning how to build an AI agent to automate a process, and another I might be meeting with charities to plan corporate events. A lot of the role comes down to taking an ambiguous problem, figuring out what needs to happen, bringing the right people together, and then building something that makes the process better. It’s taught me how valuable it is to wear different hats, learn quickly, and be comfortable adapting to unfamiliar situations.

What has been the biggest challenge moving into the working world?

The biggest adjustment has been learning to be comfortable with uncertainty. At school, there was usually a clear path: study the material, complete the assignment, and prepare for the exam. University gave me much more independence, and entering the working world took that even further. 

In high school, I was convinced I wanted to pursue finance. At university, that shifted toward consulting, and eventually I found myself much more interested in technology. I’ve learned that you don’t need to have your entire career mapped out from the beginning. There often isn’t one “right” path, and being willing to adapt as your interests and opportunities change is just as important as having a plan.

What’s something you’ve learned about building a career that you wish you had known earlier?

One thing I’ve learned is that the harder you work, the luckier you get. I feel incredibly fortunate to be where I am today, and honestly, a lot of it has come down to being in the right place at the right time. But I’ve also realised that opportunities can come when you least expect them. You might not be able to control when you get your chance, but you can make sure you’re ready when it comes.

Thank you for sharing your story, Evan!