Microsoft Manager Shares Journey from Admin to AI Role

A Microsoft AI gamification program manager details her transition from a contract executive assistant to an AI expert.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Brit Morenus, a 37-year-old senior AI gamification program manager at Microsoft, shares how she went from a contract executive assistant to an AI expert over the course of 13 years at the company. Morenus explains how she upskilled in gamification and then AI, leveraging her English degree to excel in the AI role despite not having a technical background.

Why it matters

Morenus' story highlights the growing demand for AI skills across industries and the ability for non-technical professionals to transition into these roles through upskilling and leveraging transferable skills. Her journey demonstrates that a traditional degree does not limit one's potential in the fast-evolving tech landscape.

The details

Morenus first joined Microsoft as a contract executive assistant before moving to the marketing team. She then had the opportunity to take on a gamification role, which required her to get certifications and learn game mechanics and motivators. After six years in the gamification role, Morenus transitioned to an AI gamification role, only needing about three months to upskill in AI fundamentals using a Microsoft-specific certification. Morenus credits her English degree for helping her understand the language of AI and excel in the role, despite not having a technical background.

  • Morenus joined Microsoft as a contract executive assistant for about 8 months.
  • Morenus then joined the marketing team at Microsoft.
  • Morenus spent about a year getting certifications in gamification.
  • Morenus stayed in the gamification role for another 6 years.
  • Morenus transitioned to an AI gamification role, only needing about 3 months to upskill.

The players

Brit Morenus

A 37-year-old senior AI gamification program manager at Microsoft, based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“Don't let fear keep you from stepping outside your comfort zone. There's so much ambiguity about changing roles or companies, but there's no time like the present.”

— Brit Morenus, Senior AI Gamification Program Manager (Business Insider)

“With AI specifically, you just need to learn. Everyone already uses it, but you need to understand how it works, because that's how you can understand what to do with it.”

— Brit Morenus, Senior AI Gamification Program Manager (Business Insider)

What’s next

Morenus plans to continue upskilling and staying ahead of the curve as AI technology evolves, leveraging her transferable skills to adapt to new challenges.

The takeaway

Morenus' journey demonstrates that a traditional degree does not limit one's potential in the fast-evolving tech landscape. By upskilling and leveraging transferable skills, non-technical professionals can successfully transition into in-demand AI roles.