Classes are held in Pacific Standard Time (PST) and Central Standard Time (CST)
Program dates
May 6-Sept. 6, 2024 | Apply between Dec. 4-18, 2023
Transition to tech with MSSA
Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA) provides transitioning service members and veterans with critical technical and career skills required for today’s growing technology industry.
Career transition is challenging—and thrilling.
Service members bring deep experience from their military careers, that's highly transferable to career paths throughout tech. MSSA provides technical training that enables our participants to leverage their core skills and interests to chart—and start—their career journey in IT.
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Holistic career skilling
MSSA couples technical curriculum with professional skills training—so program graduates are equipped with the comprehensive knowledge to be competitive for entry-level technical roles throughout the IT industry.
Torqued to address the unique needs of the military community
Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA) is a full-time, 17-week technical training program leading to in-demand careers in cloud development, cloud administration, and related fields. Our proven training model incorporates live instruction, hands-on virtual labs, real-life application scenarios, and opportunities to obtain industry-recognized certifications to prepare our participants for rewarding tech jobs in any industry.
Our learning paths instill a foundational level of technical knowledge—
MSSA is suited to participants looking to transition into IT from another profession, those with little knowledge but much passion about IT, and those returning to the industry after a long period of absence. Participants learn the foundational tools to succeed in fields aligned to our learning paths.
—and equip participants with the skills to chart their career path in tech.
In addition to technical curriculum, Microsoft partners with participants in career planning, professional skills-building, and job search strategies. MSSA participants who successfully complete all aspects of MSSA are guaranteed an interview with Microsoft or referral for interview with an MSSA hiring partner.
MSSA pillars
Curated training makes the difference
Our approach combining technical and professional development training is how our graduates get more jobs.
Our learning paths are aligned to in-demand tech careers
MSSA participants elect to specialize in Cybersecurity Operations (CSO), Cloud Application Development (CAD) or Server and Cloud Administration (SCA). Our curriculum combines Upon completion of MSSA training, participants have a pathway to achieve Microsoft certifications aligned to their learning path—and put them to use with direct hiring opportunities with Microsoft or some of our 1,000+ hiring partners.
Beyond the technical know-how
Being successful and confident in military career transition takes more than just technical know-how. As a participant you’ll get an all-up education in translating your unique experience and passions for a business audience. MSSA provides participants opportunities to engage with professional and technical mentors working at Microsoft.
Interview with Microsoft—or with our extensive hiring partner network
At the end of 17 weeks, you’ll have a resume, an elevator pitch, the networking and interview skills to get the job—and negotiate your compensation. You’ll also have opportunities to interview with some of the many companies and organizations who look to MSSA for veteran talent.
Industry-leading technical training
- Current technology instruction
- Work experience projects
- Microsoft mentorship
- Valued technology certifications
Holistic professional development
- Translating military experience
- Constructing a resume
- Effective networking
- Interview skills
Chart your career journey in IT
- Interview for careers at Microsoft
- Access to virtual hiring events
- Continuing access to career support
- Network with other veterans in tech
Impact
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>1kCompanies have hired our graduates
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2500+Graduates hired by Microsoft or our hiring partners
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97%Graduates employed or pursuing continuing education
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3,617MSSA graduates
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95%MSSA graduation rate
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92%MSSA graduates employed in tech
Join our community
Community is integral to what we do and offer at Military Affairs. Learn about our community’s experiences, insights, and advice about finding your footing in tech and military transition.
Partners in your career transition
Sometimes it takes a few tries to land the right job. We’re invested in your successful career transition. Stay in touch—our network offers career services and support long after your cohort’s graduation.
However long it takes to find the right career fit, we’re in this with you.
Eligibility
Who is eligible for MSSA?
MSSA is available to military veterans and retirees, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserve members, and military service members within six months of separation or retirement. To be a good fit for MSSA, there are a few more boxes to check off before applying.
Even better—attend a live session
Virtual briefs are held the first Tuesday of each month on Microsoft Teams. Attendees can ask questions and get the most current information available.
Detailed program information—including eligibility, prerequisites, docmentation requirements, and application timelines—are available in our program FAQs.
[Un]official eligibility checklist
We are invested in the success of each of our participants. Experience has shown that certain factors make otherwise eligible applicants unlikely to fully benefit from the time investment MSSA participation requires. Review the factors listed here and be sure that MSSA is a good fit for you before applying, and especially before investing time preparing for materials cutoff.
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Military veterans, reservists, and service members transitioning from any branch are eligible—probably. Review eligibility for your specific status before applying.
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MSSA training is intensive, and requires your full-time effort to be successful. We strongly advise prospective applicants not to apply for program dates that do not accommodate their complete professional full effort for all 17 weeks.
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MSSA is not aligned to your goals. Browse our skilling library to find training calibrated to your needs.
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If technical terminology makes your eyes cross, you’re exactly who MSSA was designed with in mind. Investigate our learning paths and required prerequisites to decide if you’re up for the rewarding challenge of transitioning to tech with MSSA.
Consider our expanded offerings in new time zones
MSSA-Europe
Our newest program offers US service members and veterans across the European region an opportunity to learn in Central European Time (CET).
Stay tuned for upcoming program dates by bookmarking this link.
How to apply
The application window opens for 2 weeks. You'll want to be ready.
Submit basic information during the application window to initiate your application. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you’ll need to submit critical documents by the materials cutoff deadline.
Cohort dates and application windows