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.
Microsoft Software and Systems Academy provides a 17-week 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.
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 app or by downloading the app to your phone or computer.
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 information session
- 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 valid and current Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification or a valid and select CompTIA certification for admissions verification. CompTIA applies only to the Server Cloud Administration learning path.
- For additional information contact MSSAOPS@Microsoft.com
Additional requirements for Reserves, Guard or discharged service members are to:
- Attend an MSSA information session
- Submit a DD-214, proof of general discharge under honorable conditions, high school diploma or GED
- Provide a valid and current Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification or a valid and select CompTIA certification for admissions verification. CompTIA applies only to the Server Cloud Administration learning path.
- For additional information contact MSSAOPS@Microsoft.com
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 current Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification as a prerequisite for this learning path. Take the online MTA Software Development Fundamentals Training to gain an introductory level of understanding of programming concepts required for this program.
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. There are two options to gain the prerequisite for entrance into the MSSA program:
A) A current Microsoft Networking Fundamentals Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification is a prerequisite option for this learning path. To gain certification, take the MTA Networking Fundamentals Training to understand the basics of networking and the different workloads that define a comprehensive network infrastructure.
OR
B) A current CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Security+ certification are other prerequisite options for this learning path, should you already have these certifications. Please access the following link for reference information on CompTIA exams: (IT) Information Technology Certifications | CompTIA IT Certifications
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.
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.
Stories
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.
To recruit and retain top talent, be sure your company is veteran-ready, not just veteran-friendly
Oct 19, 2020Nearly 200,000 military members transition out of service each year (according to the 2019 LinkedIn Veteran Opportunity Report), and their experiences make them a tremendous talent pool for corporate America. But hiring veterans is still viewed as “a box to check” by too many companies.
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.
Microsoft Software and Systems Academy transitions to virtual instruction during COVID-19 outbreak
Mar 24, 2020Microsoft is committed to the safety and health of our Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA) students, staff members, partners and community.
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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