MSSA Frequently Asked Questions

Transcription

1 Apply Now: Software & Systems Academy MSSA Frequently Asked Questions What is MSSA? The goal of the Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA) is to help transitioning Service members train for high tech, high-trajectory careers. MSSA provides job skills training and certification testing on the software development lifecycle (development, test, program management and IT ops). The IT industry has a shortage of technically-trained job applicants. This training is tailored to industry roles and certifications in order to help fill gaps in much-needed skills sets. How does MSSA work? Designed for transitioning Active Duty, the program takes advantage of the VOW to Hire Heroes act which enables service members to train before they leave the service. MSSA is a full-time, 16-week education training course. Participants are assigned to MSSA as their place of duty for the duration of the course. Participants are trained and have the opportunity to take certification tests for several Microsoft certifications. Students that take these courses also will earn a certificate of completion. Coursework is covered under the DOD s Tuition Assistance (TA) benefit and/or Veterans Affairs GI Bill. Upon successful completion, service members are guaranteed an interview with Microsoft for a possible role within the company. Who is involved? The program is possible through public-private partnerships with: Microsoft (program sponsor) Launch Consulting, a veteran-owned technology solutions company that manages the MSSA program. The Department of Defense and the leadership of (Camp Pendleton, Fort Hood, JBLM, other host base name) Marines Transition Assistance Program, ACAP, ACES, Education and Family Centers Central Texas College and Saint Martin s University The support of elected state officials Where is MSSA available? Washington: Joint Base Lewis-McChord Texas: Fort Hood California: Camp Pendleton

2 What are the results to date? The first class successfully completed training on Dec 2 with 22 graduates Half were offered roles at Microsoft and the rest landed jobs in the IT industry, or chose to continue their degree. Senator Patty Murray stated in her keynote address at the Dec 2 ceremony that the MSSA was exactly what I had hoped and dreamed of when I wrote the VOW act. Secretary U.S. Department of Labor, Thomas Perez, met with MSSA staff, students and alum and said: In the past our department has been about train and hope. You have built a program that is train and place! How do candidates apply? launchcg.com/mssa - or go to Westillserve.com and look for the MSSA program. What are the MSSA requirements? Be on Active Duty with a Separation/Retirement date 6-8 months out Secure Command authorization to participate Provide a copy of personnel file, Enlisted Record Brief (ERB) or copy of Records to the Ed Center Military Personnel flight (vmpf, Air Force only) Have a high school diploma or GED Honorable discharge eligible Proof of successful completion of high school-level Algebra via college transcript, CLEP (score of 50+) or Compass Placement Test (score of 30+) ASVAB Scores: MM 100 or higher/gt 100+ are desired (Army only) ASVAB Composite General Score of 50 or higher, Mechanical Score of 40+; Electrical Score of 28+ (Air Force only) Strong math skills Computer Skills Experience or interest in software or app development Will there be any class sessions held on the weekend? No. Classed are held Monday through Friday , there will be homework to do outside of the class time. What is the total cost of the program? For the upcoming cohort the credit costs come to $ books (Camp Pendleton) and $1,056 + books (Fort Hood). Tuition Assistance or G.I. Bill may be available on some posts. Can Servicemembers pay out of pocket or must the GI Bill be used? The program is designed to be eligible for Tuition Assistance and/or G.I. Bill, but there is no policy right now that would prevent Servicemembers from paying out if pocket.

3 How long has this program run? The program has been running since August More than 90% of the first cohort was hired either by Microsoft or other Tech companies. What would be the starting salary if hired by Microsoft? All salaries are dependent on experience and role; there are many online resources available to check on wage scales. How many students have gone through the program? The first cohort had 22 members, the second cohort at JBLM has 17 members and the first cohort in Texas (Fort Hood) has 13 members. What are the various jobs that a person could hold other than software developer? The MSSA program provides a foundation for a career as a Software Development Engineer in Test and as a Software Developer. However, once established in your role, your career opportunities can span any role in IT that you have interest in and are willing to train for. If in the class, when will a Servicemember be allowed to complete their transition process? We understand transitioning is an ongoing process and requires time. Time has been built in to allow for transitioning, if appointments fall during class time it will be dealt with on a case by case basis. Students are responsible to coordinate with instructors and class leaders if they need to miss class and students will have to follow each college s attendance policy. What if there is not enough time to set up TMO, do final physical, complete the transition class, etc.? It is our recommendation that Marines/Servicemembers complete as much of their transition process as possible before the class begins then try to schedule any remaining appointments to work with their class schedule. Students are responsible for following each college s attendance policy.

4 What is it like to work at Microsoft? Microsoft is a casual work environment with smart coworkers and great perks such as free Starbucks coffee and sodas. Microsoft has some of the best benefits in the world, including full health care, 401K, continuing education, family services, relocation, fitness, flex time, and matching charitable donations. Learn more: Microsoft also is committed to world class career development and continuing education ( Microsoft consistently is recognized as a great place to work for women and minorities and has a robust military community within Microsoft to help mentor veteran hires. Microsoft earned the EGSR Freedom Award for its support of National Guard and members. Learn more at The Puget Sound region has a wealth of activities from mountains, lakes, rivers, and seas and all the outdoor activities that go with them. Seattle has a vibrant music scene as well as other arts & entertainment, plus major sports teams including the Mariners, Seahawks, Sounders, & Storm. Program Manager Who is Launch Consulting? Launch Consulting is a veteran-owned company and Microsoft preferred supplier that fuels unlimited growth, helping businesses and people go further, faster. Launch Consulting s knowledge and expertise helps clients solve their most complex business problems, with futureforward business insight, multi-screen customer engagement strategies, data management and security, and technical solutions.

5 Education Partners Who is Saint Martin s University? Saint Martin s University is a Catholic Benedictine institution of higher education with a mission to empower students to pursue a lifetime of learning and accomplishment in all arenas of human endeavor. The Extended Learning Division of Saint Martin s University brings the best of Saint Martin s traditional and innovative learning experiences to meet the needs of professionals, educators, veterans and members of the community. Saint Martin s began offering programs at JBLM in 1972 and is currently one of 7 on-base schools providing education programs. Saint Martin s University is a Microsoft Certified Training Partner and a member of the Microsoft IT Academy. Who is Central Texas College? Founded over 40 years ago, Central Texas College is a public, open-admission community college offering associate degrees and certificate programs in academic, professional and vocational/technical fields. With its main campus in Killeen, TX and over 100 other locations around the world, Central Texas College serves over 50,000 students on military installations, in correctional facilities, in embassies and on ships at sea. Central Texas College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees and certificates of completion.