From executive assistant to AI expert: how Brit Morenus pivoted at Microsoft

Brit Morenus spent five and a half years as a contract worker at Microsoft before building a remarkable career pivot. Armed with an English degree, Morenus started as a contract executive assistant and later joined Microsoft’s marketing team.

Her career took a turn when a unique gamification opportunity arose. Gamification uses game mechanics, storytelling, and rewards to enhance learning. Morenus spent a year upskilling, earning certifications that taught her how to create engaging, motivational learning experiences. Her expertise helped train frontline and customer service teams, proving her impact and securing her a full-time role.

When Microsoft sought someone to gamify AI learning, Morenus was ready. Despite limited prior AI knowledge, she upskilled in just three months, earning the Azure AI Fundamentals certification. She quickly became a resource for her team and the wider organization, teaching AI concepts and implementing gamified learning strategies across the company.

Morenus credits her English degree for her success. Understanding language, grammar, and communication is essential in AI, especially when prompting and interpreting AI outputs. She says her degree helps her navigate AI tagging processes, refine prompts, and communicate effectively with executives.

Her advice for career pivots: step outside your comfort zone, embrace ambiguity, and commit to constant learning. In fast-changing fields like AI, adaptability and willingness to upskill are key.

Morenus’ journey shows that a liberal arts degree, combined with dedication, can lead to cutting-edge careers. From executive assistant to AI gamification expert, she proves that skills in communication, storytelling, and language remain incredibly relevant—even in the tech world.