From the 75th Ranger Regiment to Microsoft: My unconventional journey through the MSSA program

When I was serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army's elite 75th Ranger Regiment, the last thing I thought I would end up doing was working for Microsoft. However, life has an uncanny knack for surprising us, and my journey from a Special Operations soldier to a tech professional is a testament to that fact.

The military teaches many things: discipline, teamwork, strategy, and adaptability. The experiences and training one receives as a member of Special Operations are unique and invaluable. I was fortunate enough to have been a part of that world, and it laid a strong foundation for the skills I would later need in the tech industry.

One might not immediately draw parallels between the military and a global technology leader. Yet, these worlds are not as divergent as they seem. The problem-solving skills, leadership capabilities, and strategic thinking I honed in the military were equally important when I entered the world of technology. The military gave me a platform to learn these skills; Microsoft provided me an opportunity to apply them in a completely different context.

This unconventional transition wouldn't have been possible without the Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA). It served as my bridge from the Special Operations world to the tech industry. MSSA is an intensive, 17-week program that provides transitioning service members and veterans with critical career skills required for today’s growing technology industry.

In the MSSA program, I was able to build on the technical acumen I had developed in the military. From cybersecurity to cloud development, the program offers a robust and comprehensive curriculum that enabled me to leverage my past experiences while acquiring new, highly valuable skills I continue to build on in my tech career.

The journey, though challenging, was worth every bit of the effort, and the feeling was amplified when I was offered a position at Microsoft. It felt like a dream come true, and in many ways, it was. However, I'm reminded that dreams don't work unless you do, and I had put in the work to make this a reality.

My path from the military to IT wouldn't have been possible without the support and faith of some incredibly inspiring people. I owe much of my success to Steve Walters, who saw potential in me and took a chance by hiring me. His belief in my abilities played a pivotal role in my journey, and for that, I am immensely grateful.

I also wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to Chris Cortez, the Vice President of Military Affairs at Microsoft. His dedication to the MSSA program is an inspiration. Chris's commitment to helping veterans transition into careers in the tech industry has made a significant impact on many lives, mine included. His efforts have given service members like me an opportunity to find our place in the tech world while utilizing the skills we developed in our military careers.

Looking back, I see that every experience I had, and every challenge I overcame in the military, was preparing me for this journey. From the 75th Ranger Regiment to Microsoft, the road has been long, challenging, but ultimately fulfilling. I am humble in my accomplishments, grateful for the opportunities I've been given, and excited for the road ahead. I hope that my story can serve as an inspiration for other military members transitioning into civilian life, showing them that the skills they have are not only valued but also highly sought after in the tech industry.

Life has a way of bringing us to unexpected places. I started as a soldier, became a Ranger, and now I'm part of an extraordinary team at Microsoft that continues to serve the DOD in support of the women and men of the Armed Forces. It's a journey I wouldn't trade for anything, and I look forward to seeing where this road takes me next.