I have an information packed discussion with the leadership team of the Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA), a Microsoft funded program that provides transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses with critical technical and career skills required for today’s growing technology industry.

Guests

Eric Zu Hone
Program Director - Microsoft Software & Systems Academy, Military Affairs at Microsoft
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericzuhone/

Merrick Van Dongen
Director - Education & Workforce Development, Military Affairs at Microsoft
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merrick-van-dongen/

Joe Wallis
Director - Military Engagement, Military Affairs at Microsoft
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joewallis/

Links to opportunities and organizations discussed:

Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA)
https://military.microsoft.com/mssa/

What an amazing kickoff to Season 2! I have an incredible conversation with veteran and Microsoft Director - Delivery Management Alex Perry. Alex brings such a rich and diverse perspective to the discussion and shares insights from his military career, his transition to the tech industry and the value of military skills in technology roles.

Guests

Alex Perry
Directory - Delivery Management
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderdperry/

Links to opportunities and organizations discussed:

Centurian Military Alliance (CMA)
https://www.cmawarrior.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/centurion-military-alliance-cma-/

Hiring our Heroes
https://www.hiringourheroes.org/

DOD SkillBridge
https://skillbridge.osd.mil/

Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA)
https://military.microsoft.com/mssa/

After a not so brief hiatus, the recording studio is being field day'ed (cleaned for you non-Marines and Sailors), the frequencies are being greased, and the power is being turned on! Stay tuned for Season 2 Episode 1 coming soon!

In this short, abbreviated episode I wanted to provide my opinion and perspective on some of the big tech reductions and layoffs, and what it means to all of you on your journey from military to tech.


Links mentioned in this Episode:

Coffee and Change Podcast (Bill Kirst)
https://coffeeandchange.co/

In this episode I get to catch up with veterans and Red Hat Sr. Consultants Benny Fields and Matt Riensch. We discuss their journey from very different military backgrounds to their current roles. Hear about the consultant role, the underestimated skills of military members (know your value), "Imposter Syndrome" and much, much more!

Benny Fields
Red Hat
Consultant
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennyfields3/

Matt Riensch
Red Hat
Consultant
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-riensch/

Links to opportunities and organizations discussed:

CodeUp
https://codeup.com/

Onward to Opportunity
https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/career-training/
Application
https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/career-training/o2o-admission/onward-to-opportunity-application/

Galvanize
https://www.galvanize.com/

American Corporate Partners (ACP)
https://www.acp-usa.org

Boots to Books
https://www.boots2books.com/

GitHub
https://github.com/

A fantastic discussion with Ericka Borbon about the DOD and Air Force Federal Civilian hiring process, from application all the way to interview, as well as special benefits just for military members and veterans!

Ericka Borbon
Air Force Civilian HR Specialist
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericka-borbon-6a844b102/

USAJobs Website: https://www.usajobs.gov/

OPM Website: https://www.opm.gov/

In this episode I have a fantastic conversation about IT certifications, study tips and industry insight with technology experts Chris Fields and Chris Schmerber!

Chris Fields
LEIDOS
Cloud Engineer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-fields-7626364/

Chris Schmerber
LEIDOS
Sr. Systems Engineer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-schmerber-169aa518

In this episode I talk to Isaac Santiago and Manny Borbon, two Microsoft Architects and Veterans. You will hear about their roles at Microsoft and their journey from Military to Tech.

Isaac Santiago
Microsoft
Sr. Program Manager/Architect
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaac-santiago/

Manny Borbon
Microsoft
Cloud Solutions Architect
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuelborbonjr/