I was playing Pinball at a Pinball Arcade last night with my friend—Kwame, and I could not help but think about the journey that has been—from my childhood playing 3D Pinball – Space Cadet on my mother’s computer, to actually playing Pinball in a real arcade, and now newly pivoting professionally into the gaming industry.
I recently accepted an offer from (Microsoft) Xbox, joining their business development team as a Business Development Manager, for my MBA Summer Internship.
Growing up, gaming was one of the ways I explored my playful nature. I spent countless hours mastering Microsoft classics like Pinball, Freecell, Solitaire, and Minesweeper. These games weren’t just a form of entertainment; they were my introduction to problem-solving, strategy, and the endless possibilities of digital tools. They also served as a reminder that work and play can coexist, that productivity can be fueled by moments of lightheartedness and creativity.
A Full-Circle Moment: Rediscovering Playfulness
This opportunity is deeply personal for me. It’s not just about landing an opportunity to work with Xbox; it’s about the journey that brought me here. As a kid in Malawi, my exposure to technology was fairly limited, but those early encounters planted the seed of curiosity and passion that has grown into a promising career in tech. From my Pinball-filled afternoons to building initiatives like the Kwathu Kollective and Digital Skills for Africa, I’ve continually explored how technology can bridge gaps and create opportunities.
Joining Xbox feels like coming full circle. It’s a chance for me to rediscover and embrace my playful spirit—one that often had to take a back seat in my previous work environments where seriousness was the default. This role will let me explore creativity in ways that complement my professional skills. Whether it’s working on innovative product strategies or brainstorming ways to enhance user experiences, I know I’ll be able to approach challenges with a mix of curiosity and fun.
A Contrast of Worlds: UNHQ vs. Xbox
My time at the UN was transformative. Working as a Knowledge Management Coordinator at the United Nations headquarters in New York City gave me the chance to immerse myself in global development initiatives, tackle critical challenges, and contribute to policy frameworks designed to make a difference. But let’s be honest—anyone who has worked in such an environment knows that it’s far from playful. The UN operates with the gravitas and precision required to address the world’s most pressing issues. Meetings were formal, decisions carried immense weight, and even the office environment exuded a sense of seriousness.
Contrast that with Xbox—a brand synonymous with fun, creativity, and connection. Where the UN was about navigating complexity and diplomacy, Xbox is about fostering joy and engagement, not just for gamers but for communities around the globe. This pivot to gaming is a breath of fresh air. It’s a chance to bring my professional expertise into a space that not only celebrates technology but also encourages a sense of wonder and play.
The Gaming Industry: A Global Movement
With over 50% of the world engaging in gaming in some form, the industry has grown into a global cultural and economic powerhouse. Gaming is no longer just a pastime—it’s an integral part of how people connect, learn, and even work. It’s a $200 billion industry that cuts across demographics, geographies, and professions, and it’s only expected to grow.
This role allows me to dive deep into this vibrant and fast-evolving ecosystem. For me, gaming has always represented a unique blend of technology and storytelling. Now, I’ll have the opportunity to work in a field that influences not just entertainment but also education, innovation, and community-building on a global scale.
What the Role Entails
This summer, I’ll be stepping into the vibrant world of Xbox, contributing to a global brand that has revolutionized entertainment and gaming. My role will focus on leveraging strategy, innovation, and technology to deliver impactful experiences for gamers worldwide. From product development to exploring new markets, I’ll be working at the intersection of creativity and business—a space I have long wanted to occupy.
For me, this isn’t just a job; it’s an opportunity to shape the gaming experience for a global audience. It’s about understanding the needs of the community, bringing fresh perspectives as an African tech professional, and ensuring that gaming continues to evolve as a force for connection, creativity, and even education.
Why This Pivot is Perfect
While Xbox is a stark contrast to the UN in many ways, the skills I developed in my previous roles have prepared me to excel in this new space. At the UN, I learned to think critically, manage complex projects, and work with diverse teams. These skills will translate seamlessly into my work at Xbox, where collaboration and innovation are key.
Joining Xbox at this point in my career is deeply aligned with my journey. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working on projects that merge technology, creativity, and development. Whether it was setting up a tech hub or spearheading digital literacy initiatives, my career has continued to be about using technology to solve problems and create new possibilities.
This alignment is further emphasized by our introduction of gamification courses under DSA, which have allowed us to explore how gaming can enhance learning experiences. These courses demonstrate the potential of gaming beyond just entertainment—they showcase its power as a tool for education, skills development, and fostering creativity. Through these initiatives, I’ve witnessed firsthand how gaming can inspire and empower African youth, equipping them with the skills to thrive in the digital age.
This role represents a solid pivot for me into the gaming industry—an industry that holds immense potential for Africa. Gaming isn’t just about entertainment; it’s a powerful medium for storytelling, education, and economic opportunity.
As someone passionate about African development, I see gaming as a space where we can amplify African voices, stories, and talent on a global stage. Beyond that, gaming has a burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem—from game development to esports to immersive technologies like AR and VR—all of which offer exciting opportunities for innovation.
But this pivot for me is about more than skills—it’s about alignment. After nearly a decade in spaces that required formality and restraint, I’m excited to step into an environment that thrives on bold ideas and out-of-the-box thinking. Xbox isn’t just about gaming; it’s about creating experiences that resonate with people on a human level. For me, that’s deeply inspiring and in perfect harmony with my own career aspirations.
Learning and Growing as an Entrepreneur
One of the most exciting aspects of this role is the potential for learning and growth. As someone with an entrepreneurial mindset, I’m eager to gain insights into product development, market expansion, and community engagement at a global level. Working at Xbox will teach me how to operate in a fast-paced, high-tech environment and give me a firsthand understanding of what it takes to build products that reach millions of users worldwide.
This knowledge will be invaluable as I think about entrepreneurial opportunities in gaming, especially in Africa. With gaming’s growing popularity on the continent, there’s a massive opportunity to create platforms, games, and technologies that reflect our unique cultures and perspectives. Whether it’s fostering local game development talent, building gaming communities, or creating educational tools through gaming, the possibilities are endless.
Reflecting on the Journey
When I look back at where I started—those early Microsoft games on a desktop computer—I can’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for how far I’ve come. From exploring the foundational stages of entrepreneurship to pursuing multiple degrees, and now stepping into one of the most innovative gaming companies in the world, this journey has been anything but linear.
As an African professional, I’ve often had to carve my path in spaces where representation was minimal. Yet, each step has prepared me for this moment, equipping me with the skills, resilience, and vision to thrive in a global arena. Joining Xbox isn’t just about advancing my career; it’s about amplifying the voices of African tech professionals and showing that we belong at every table.
Looking Ahead
This role is more than a career milestone—it’s a launchpad for the future. I envision a career that continues to blend technology, strategy, and impact, driving innovation not just for Africa but for the world. Joining Xbox gives me a platform to learn, grow, and contribute on a global scale, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together. As I step into this new chapter, I’m reminded of the lessons I’ve learned through gaming: strategy, resilience, and the importance of collaboration; and I deeply look forward to contributing to the mission of Microsoft Xbox.
CONNECT WITH NTHANDA ONLINE:
About the Author
