We Are the Mighty | How this Army veteran went from helicopter repair to the tech sector
VIEW FULL STORYMicrosoft Software and Systems Academy
Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA) provides transitioning service members, Guard, Reserves and veterans – including those with clearance – with critical career skills required for today’s growing technology industry. This 17-week program provides training for high-demand careers in cloud development or cloud administration. Program graduates have an opportunity to interview for a full-time job at Microsoft or one of our hiring partners.
The application window for our October 3, 2022 – February 9, 2023 MSSA cohorts is now LIVE from May 16 through May 30 (1700 PST)! Apply at https://aka.ms/mssaapplication.
To learn more, review our MSSA Core program brochure, watch a Virtual Brief, review FAQs, or reach out to MSSAops@microsoft.com for more information.
Take your (virtual) next steps
Shifting from military to civilian life is challenging, especially during uncertain times. But you can do it. Your service has already instilled the skills and experience you need to build a rewarding career in tech. The Tech Transition Toolkit offers simple tips for how you can build a career in tech.
Discover your next career
Get Started
Please join us for the MSSA Virtual Brief for more information about our upcoming cohorts. Learn about the program and get assistance with the application process. Briefings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 0900 PST/1200 EST and 1200 PST/1500 EST via Microsoft Teams. You can join the meeting using the online Teams app or by downloading it to your phone or computer.
MSSA Federal
MSSA-Federal offers advanced curricula targeting IT experienced transitioning service members and veterans. Candidates with 5-8+ years’ IT experience can apply for the following learning paths: Cloud Application Development (Advanced) and DevOps, Cloud Administration and Cybersecurity, or Modern Work and Cybersecurity. US Secret clearance or higher required (Top Secret preferred).
View the MSSA Federal portion of the Virtual Brief here.
Cloud Application Development
Become a C# programmer to build local, server based and cloud-stored applications. Concepts include database programming, data integration and manipulation, C# application programming with ASP.net MVC and application development in Azure.
Server & Cloud Administration
Become a systems administrator who can install, configure, manage and advance the usage of IT resources on premise, in the cloud or in a hybrid combination to meet the technology needs of major organizations. Concepts include Windows Server workloads, networking, authentication and authorization, cloud models and Azure administration.
MSSA is open to military service members who are within six months of separation or retirement. MSSA is also open to Guard, Reserves and veterans. To get started, attend a Virtual Brief.
Active duty service members must:
- Attend an MSSA Virtual Brief
- Secure command approval to participate
- Consult with your local SkillBridge Program Manager before applying to MSSA. Find your local contact at https://dodskillbridge.usalearning.gov/how-to-apply.htm
- Submit proof of honorable service status
- Provide a current, valid Pearson Vue IT Specialist certification aligned to their chosen learning path. Each MSSA technical learning path requires a specific ITS exam or certification:
Server & Cloud Administration – Pearson VUE ITS-Networking
Cloud Application Development – Pearson VUE ITS-Software Development
(see ‘Satisfy Prerequisites’ for more information) - For additional information contact MSSAops@microsoft.com
Additional requirements for Reserves, Guard or discharged service members are to:
- Attend an MSSA Virtual Brief
- Submit a DD-214 or proof of general discharge under honorable conditions
- Provide a current, valid Pearson Vue IT Specialist certification aligned to their chosen learning path. Each MSSA technical learning path requires a specific ITS exam or certification:
Server & Cloud Administration – Pearson VUE ITS-Networking
Cloud Application Development – Pearson VUE ITS-Software Development
(see ‘Satisfy Prerequisites’ for more information) - For additional information contact MSSAops@microsoft.com
MSSA Federal
To ensure success in MSSA Federal’s advanced curricula, the ideal candidate will have 5-8+years’ IT experience and a US Secret clearance or higher (Top Secret preferred). We require the AZ 900 Azure Fundamentals certification as a prerequisite for this learning path. Take the online Azure Fundamentals Training to learn the basic concepts of Azure Cloud.
Cloud Application Development (Advanced) and DevOps
-Software Development, Programming, Data Analysis, C#, C++, Python
Cloud Administration and Cybersecurity
-Network IT administration, security, or operations, Windows or Linux, Active Directory, VMWare/Hyper-V virtualization
Modern Work and Cybersecurity
-Network IT administration, security, or operations in Windows
Cloud Application Development
To ensure success in the MSSA program, we expect you’ll begin with a fundamental understanding of the technology taught in your cohort. We require you provide a current, valid Pearson Vue IT Specialist (ITS) certification aligned to the CAD learning path: Software Development.
(The Pearson VUE Information Technology Specialist (ITS) certification is an entry-level credential that validates fundamental technology skills and knowledge among students and job seekers who are pursuing a career in technology.)
Alternative certification accepted:
• MTA 98-361: Software Development Fundamentals
The Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is retiring as a certification exam but will still be honored as an approved alternate certification to meet the MSSA prerequisite (as defined by learning path) if already held. MSSA no longer issues vouchers for this certification exam, nor are vouchers still publicly available for purchase.
Server & Cloud Administration
To ensure success in the MSSA program, we expect you’ll begin with a fundamental understanding of the technology taught in your cohort. We require you provide a current, valid Pearson Vue IT Specialist (ITS) certification aligned to the SCA learning path: Networking.
(The Pearson VUE Information Technology Specialist (ITS) certification is an entry-level credential that validates fundamental technology skills and knowledge among students and job seekers who are pursuing a career in technology.)
Alternative certification accepted:
• CompTIA Net+ or CompTIA Sec+
• MTA 98-366: Networking Fundamentals
The Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is retiring as a certification exam but will still be honored as an approved alternate certification to meet the MSSA prerequisite (as defined by learning path) if already held. MSSA no longer issues vouchers for this certification exam, nor are vouchers still publicly available for purchase.
Top 3 roles
- Software Engineer
- Sales Supporters
- Service Engineers
>90%
of students graduate from MSSA
600+
Total number of companies (other than Microsoft) that have hired graduates
Find a MSSA Program
MSSA is now offered virtually and to all military installations worldwide across the following time zones: EST/CST/MST/PST/Hawaii and Alaska. Select “Find a program by time zone” to see available courses offered remotely from MSSA. The application window for our October 3, 2022 – February 9, 2023 MSSA cohorts is now LIVE from May 16 through May 30 (1700 PST)! Apply at https://aka.ms/mssaapplication. Any questions? Watch a Virtual Brief, review FAQs, or reach out to MSSAops@microsoft.com for more information.
Training Partners
Microsoft works side by side with Learning Partners to help service members and veterans advance from the military to a career in IT. Our Learning Partners—including Opsgility and United Training—partner with Microsoft to deliver MSSA virtually and in person.
Opsgility
Opsgility has been an integral part of the Microsoft Cloud learning ecosystem since 2013, enabling students with new skills through instructor-led and hackathon-style training, plus on-demand features for continuous learning.
United Training
United Training designs learning programs to help individuals accelerate their careers through short-term training, certification preparation, and career readiness—whether transitioning out of the military or currently enlisted and looking to the future.
DDLS
DDLS is the leading provider of information and communications technology training in Australasia. We train your teams to ensure that whatever you are doing, it is done efficiently, securely and aligned with industry best-practice.
Stories
MSSA Grads Give Back: Leveraging tech to create community
Oct 28, 2021Value of a Veteran: Taking on Imposter Syndrome We count on servicemembers to be confident and unafraid to move forward towards any challenge, which they are well trained to do. When put into a technical training classroom for the first time and needing to absorb lots of technical information in a relatively short time, it […]
MSSA Grads Give Back: Why our Graduates are our Superpower
Sep 28, 2021For the Microsoft Military Affairs team, advocating for veteran hiring is our top focus. Since 2013, our mission has been the continuing support of servicemembers transitioning from Active or Reserve duty and unemployed or underemployed veterans to new careers in technology. We do this by providing technical training for in-demand information technology skills through Microsoft […]
We Are the Mighty | How this Army veteran went from helicopter repair to the tech sector
Jun 15, 2021After graduating high school, Richard Lee wanted to join the military. As the American-born son of Korean parents, service to country was instilled in him from a very young age.
Accessibility, flexibility and more mileage from the GI Bill: Here’s what participants value most about MSSA’s all-virtual, tuition-free format
Jun 1, 2021Recently we conducted a survey of current students to understand how the virtual, tuition-free format is affecting their success in the program. Here are the top benefits we heard.
We Are the Mighty | Transitioning? Microsoft can help.
May 18, 2021Every year, an estimated 200,000 veterans leave the military for new civilian lives. For many of them, getting a job is the first and most important step. As they look to new civilian careers, many veterans find it challenging to directly apply the skills attained in service to their new civilian careers — making underemployment just as big a problem as unemployment.
MSSA fueled the determination of this Army soldier to land a rewarding yet flexible tech career
May 4, 2021A thriving success story can be found in Florabel Ituralde. When she was exploring a career change in preparation for her transition out of the Army, she discovered Microsoft Software and Systems Academy.
Deepening our investment in the military community: Why we’re fully funding Microsoft Software and Systems Academy
Jan 27, 2021It’s no small feat to start a new career. In a time of ongoing economic uncertainty and acute societal stressors, attempting to do so can feel downright daunting. For the nearly 200,000 service members who will transition out of the United States military this year, joining the civilian workforce presents a very real, intensified challenge.
MSSA graduates in action: Helpful tips for the job search
Oct 27, 2020Microsoft Military Affairs is committed to helping transitioning service members and veterans find new, meaningful careers, but right now the job market is as challenging as it has ever been.
Why mentors are pillars of MSSA—and essential to helping students succeed
Jun 29, 2020Mentorship has always been a pillar of MSSA because we know how important it is to take a holistic approach to supporting members of the military transitioning to the civilian workforce.
Hiring Partners
Microsoft works with hundreds of hiring partners, many of whom are Fortune 500 companies, to help our program graduates find new career paths. We see our partnership with these military family-friendly companies as critical to addressing the skills gap in the technology industry.
Join our growing list of companies hiring this great talent.
"Now I wake up every morning and I know that I’m doing something that’s just as challenging and just as rewarding as being a Marine.”
Ryan Burns, MSSA Graduate
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