THE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS FROM MICROSOFT
Microsoft Student Partner Program
Why should you apply to become an MSP(Microsoft Student Partner)!
Hello, tech lovers! I hope you all are fine. Those who haven’t heard about the MSP the program before or haven’t heard much at all must be very confused to read my lines and wondering what I am talking about. For them I will say, don’t worry, I am going to explain all the things in detail as much as possible. Firstly, I would like to introduce myself a little bit. I am a Microsoft Student Partner since January 2020. Currently, I am at the Beta level of the MSP(Microsoft Student Partner) program. So, let’s start our today’s topic.
What is meant by Microsoft Student Partner? You can get a clear answer to this question by visiting the official Student Partners Site and that is: Student Partners are a global group of on-campus ambassadors who are eager to help fellow students, lead in their local tech community, and develop technical and career skills for the future. You might find yourself organizing a hackathon to solve the world’s toughest problems, mentoring fellow students, or unlocking the next great idea with your team — it’s all up to you. After reading this, some of you might have a question that, “Are student partners’ just like volunteers of Microsoft who advertise Microsoft technologies?” The answer is: No, student partners are not volunteers. This student partner program is far different than any type of volunteering program and you are not going to advertise for Microsoft through this program by any means. So, what is it! Are student partners like some kind of employee of Microsoft? Do they work for Microsoft? Again the answer is no, student partners are not any type of Microsoft employees. They don’t work for Microsoft but they work with Microsoft. Seems a little bit confusing, right? Through the Student Partners program, Microsoft helps passionate and talented students who want to learn technologies, develop and grow their skills in tech-related domains and also eager to share knowledge with fellow students. Microsoft provides the student partners access to many useful professional tools and resources for free. Student Partners can earn badges and milestones for activities and contributions like hosting a workshop on machine learning, data science, artificial intelligence or over any tech-related domain in their community. They can arrange a Hackathon or AI Gaming Contest in their local community. Moreover, they can start the Imagine Cup together. And Microsoft will provide support to student partners to arrange those events if possible, based on certain conditions. Let’s look at the benefits the student partners get from Microsoft. Currently. the MSP Program has 4 levels and these are:
Alpha 1: It is the first level of this program. Any new Student Partner enters the program at Alpha 1 stage and receives exclusive access to Microsoft’s global student network and Microsoft experts on Microsoft Teams and an Office 365 subscription. Microsoft has partnered with TechSmith, the makers of Snagit and Camtasia software, to provide Student Partners access to their screen capture and screen recording software.
Alpha 2: Student Partners who complete a Microsoft Learn path will unlock Azure credits with Visual Studio Enterprise subscription benefits. I believe that these benefits are greatly helpful for students who want to learn technologies like cloud computing and all. There are more benefits attached to these subscriptions that you will explore when reaching this level of the student partners program.
Beta: Student Partners who complete the requirements for Alpha 2 and have hosted an event for other students in their community will earn the Beta badge to unlock event support and resource benefits. This could include an invitation to join Microsoft’s annual Microsoft Student Partner Summit! To reach this stage you need to fulfill the requirements for Alpha 2 and you need to organize or host an event in your local community. An event could be a workshop or a seminar or a contest or a session, etc over any tech-related topics or Microsoft technologies.
Gold: Student Partners who have gone above and beyond in earning their badges and serving their local community will be invited to the Gold milestone and can become Student Partner Program Regional Leaders, gain access to special events, and may be invited to become a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP).
Sawrav Chowdhury who is my senior in university has recently achieved the Gold milestone for his outstanding contribution over the years to the community.
After reading about all the benefits that student partners receive from Microsoft, some of you might have questions in my mind that what Microsoft wants from the student partners, in return to these benefits. And the answer to this query is: Microsoft just wants you to learn and develop your skills in the field of different technologies. And to help other fellow students to learn those technologies through you.
If you ask me my personal opinion about this program, then I will say that this is a great experience that every student must try to get if possible. Being a Microsoft Student Partner I had met many tech enthusiastic people from all around the world and learned from them a lot of things. I get inspiration to do great things seeing others in the MSP community doing great things.
So, apply today to become a Student Partner here! Join our MSP community. Learn, share and develop! Make contributions to the tech world.
I have written this article based on my personal experience as an MSP and taking reference from the Student Developer Blog of Microsoft Tech Community.
