Independent directory. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense (Department of War). Owned and maintained by the nonprofit Creating Coding Careers.About this site
Microsoft

Software and Systems Academy (MSSA) - Employment Skills Training

Employment Skills Training All branchesDefense Industrial BaseNational Security

Website provided by the program.

At a glance

Open to
All branches
Format
Online
Length
91 - 120 days
Locations
Online · jobs available nationwide
Target MOS/ratings
All

About the program

Microsoft fully funds the Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA). Program costs are covered by Microsoft. For those accepted into the program, eBooks for the topics covered are provided at no cost to the participant. Any personal expenses (housing, meals, etc.) during the program are the responsibility of the service member. Participants in the MSSA Skillbridge training program are unpaid. MSSA is not an internship.The MSSA program provides transitioning service members and veterans, including Guard and Reserve members, with critical career skills required for today's growing technology industry. MSSA provides virtual instructor-led training for high-demand careers in cloud (software) development, cloud administration, and cybersecurity operations. Program graduates receive ongoing career search support and opportunities to network within Microsoft and with MSSA hiring partners.

Jobs this program prepares you for

Roles MSSA graduates have successfully been hired within: Software Engineers, Service Engineers, IT/Network Support, Operations, Project Mgmt., Program Mgmt., Help Desk (IT), Consultant, Support Engineer (IT), Sales, Premier Field Engineer, Technical Account Manager, Supply Chain Management, Cyber Specialist, System Security Manager, Cyber Security Engineer, and many more. Learning Paths: Cloud Application Development, Server and Cloud Administration, or Cybersecurity Operations.

Eligibility & prerequisites

Service members (all branches) ready to begin the MSSA application process must hold a current honorable service status and must secure command authorization. Service members then need to see that they meet the admission requirements. Additionally, Service members must work with their base education center or MSSA Enrollment team to submit their application. The MSSA page provides more details: https://aka.ms/mssa

For further information, please see: https://aka.ms/mssa. For questions, please contact program POC at: mssaops@microsoft.com

Locations & contacts

How to apply

  1. Contact the provider using the website or email above. Ask about openings, start dates, and the application.
  2. Confirm eligibility. SkillBridge is generally for service members within 180 days of separation who have their command's approval.
  3. Get your unit commander's authorization following your branch's SkillBridge process. Start early; approvals take time.
  4. Read reviews from past participants on Rate My SkillBridge.

Policy details: official DoW SkillBridge site · our FAQ