A New Chapter for Veterans
Lisa Stanley’s journey into civilian life began in her childhood bedroom in West Virginia, where she enrolled in the Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA) in early 2022. Fresh from a 14-year U.S. Army career and facing the challenges of a divorce at 39, Stanley sought a fresh start. MSSA’s 17-week remote program offered her the critical skills needed to compete for tech jobs, including live instructions, virtual labs, and real-life application scenarios. What truly inspired Stanley were the virtual presentations by MSSA graduates who had successfully transitioned into tech roles at prominent companies.
“Those moments left me seeing myself in these roles as a viable path forward,” Stanley recalls. The opportunity to hear from other veterans who had made similar transitions boosted her confidence. After graduating from MSSA in May 2022, Stanley received four job offers within three months. She first joined Southwest Airlines as a Scrum master and later moved to Aptive Resources as a deputy program manager. Her story is a testament to the program’s effectiveness.
The Genesis of MSSA
Chris Cortez, a 33-year Marine Corps veteran and now Microsoft’s vice president of Military Affairs, understands Stanley’s journey. After struggling to find his footing post-service, Cortez joined Microsoft in 2006 and helped launch MSSA in 2013 as a pilot program. The program’s success was immediate, with the entire first group being hired by organizations in Washington state.
Cortez’s vision for MSSA expanded rapidly, leading to the creation of a military affairs team within Microsoft to oversee the program. Today, MSSA stands as a unique initiative in the tech industry, offering learning paths in cybersecurity operations, server and cloud administration, and cloud application development.
Success Stories
Since its inception, MSSA has graduated over 3,900 veterans, boasting a 94% graduation rate and a 97% employment rate among graduates. Notably, 90% of MSSA grads find employment in the tech industry, with over 1,000 companies, including Microsoft and its partners, hiring from the MSSA talent pool. Frankie Beauchamp, a 2023 graduate, credits MSSA for giving him the hands-on experience and knowledge needed to become a cloud support technician at Atmosera.
Sgt. Maj. Ron Green, a 36-year Marine Corps veteran and senior manager at Southwest Airlines, has been a long-time advocate for MSSA. He highlights the valuable traits that military personnel bring to the civilian workforce, such as leadership, dependability, and teamwork.
Hyppolitte Djouda, an Army veteran who transitioned into software development through MSSA, emphasizes the importance of the program’s virtual job fairs and career development support. He now works at TIAG, contributing to medical readiness for soldiers.
A Lasting Impact
The sense of duty and camaraderie that defines the military experience continues among MSSA graduates. They support each other in their new careers, often helping their peers find job opportunities. As Cortez reflects on the program’s impact, he’s heartened to see MSSA graduates being hired into various companies and taking on significant roles. The program has not only changed the lives of veterans but has also enriched the tech industry with their unique skills and perspectives.
