In this blog, we'll cover nearly everything you need to know about the Ambassador program offered by Microsoft to students worldwide, known as the "Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador."
So, what exactly is a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador, and who are they? And, how can you go about applying to become one? Keep reading to find out the answers to these questions!
Contents
Discovery
My Experience
Benefits
How to Apply
Conclusion
Before talking about the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador program (MLSA) in depth, let's start with the story of how I discovered it.
Discovery
The story began in the year 2022 when I was in my second year of college as an engineering student from India, specializing in Artificial Intelligence. I was searching for opportunities to explore and expand my reach. One of my friends shared a link to apply for the MLSA program in our class group chat. Out of curiosity, I clicked on it, which turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made in my life so far. Microsoft's Student Ambassador program (MLSA) is renowned as one of the best ambassadorships worldwide. Filled with excitement, I applied quickly without much thought or preparation, but unfortunately to my surprise and disappointment, I wasn't selected the first time.
However, as someone once said, you should never let failure get to your heart. So I patiently waited for the next selection cohort and this time, I made sure to prepare thoroughly. I watched numerous YouTube videos featuring people who had been selected into the program, such as Kushboo Goel and Rashid Wassan, and followed their advice. If I recall correctly, I selected the option of "Guide" where I was asked to specify any one technical skill that I have learned recently, how I was guided to learn it and how I'd use that experience to be a better Student Ambassador with a video application and I answered the other two options of "Welcome" and "Connect" by typing in the answer.
I took my time, crafted a script, practised my lines diligently, and even edited my final video to put in a little extra effort. Then, I proceeded to answer the remaining questions. A tip for everyone: try to be as genuine as possible when responding to these questions. It's okay to seek a little help from Chat-GPT, but don't rely on it too heavily, as it may indicate a lack of commitment to being an MLSA. After a long three-month wait, the email arrived, this time with a message welcoming me into the program.
And there it was, I had finally done it. I had been officially accepted into the Ambassador program! :)
My Experience
Till now, I have conducted about four events in less than a year since I was selected. This is one of the key responsibilities of an MLSA - to educate their peers by organizing events on new or relevant technologies. These events not only help them advance in their careers but also contribute to their overall education.
I have hosted events on topics such as "Azure Data Fundamentals", "Azure AI Fundamentals", etc. If you're interested, you can check them out on my profile here. There are essentially two formats for hosting an event. The first is in the form of a Seminar, which can be conducted either online or offline. For both events, it's important to have a recording available for submission later in the event submission form.
The second method is Cloud Skill Challenges, which is essentially a challenge designed to enhance students' skills in various areas using Microsoft's Learn Platform. With this format, you have the flexibility to choose the start and end dates and even have the option to offer a certificate for their successful participation and additional reward incentives to randomly selected students. These rewards could include prizes like a LinkedIn premium subscription (12-months) or an Xbox Ultimate GamePass (3-months).
There are other ways to contribute to the community as well. This includes hosting watch parties, sharing valuable Microsoft resources with your sharing ID, and participating in Ambassador Projects which all are exclusive to MLSAs. Additionally, there's the Imagine Cup which is open to everyone.
Remember, the more you contribute to the community, the more benefits you'll receive. Let's go over them separately.
Benefits
First and foremost, let me say that MLSA is a group of like-minded people who want to help their community become better. So, don't join the program solely for personal benefits. You won't receive any Salary or be recognized as a Microsoft employee. However, as I've mentioned before, there are several benefits to being an active MLSA. To understand this, let's briefly go over the different levels of the MLSA program. There are four tiers: New, Alpha, Beta, and Gold.
New: When you're first selected into the program, you are considered a 'New' Student Ambassador. While you won't receive a badge initially, you will gain access to the official Student Ambassador Teams channel. This is where you can connect with fellow student ambassadors from around the world, expanding your reach. Additionally, you'll be able to download a certificate that officially recognizes your selection into the program.
Benefits: You'll receive a downloadable certificate personalized with your name, which can be proudly showcased in your professional network on platforms like LinkedIn
Alpha: You're expected to achieve Alpha status by the 4th month of program acceptance. To reach the Alpha tier, you must successfully complete a learning path on Microsoft Learn and complete the technical onboarding by creating a simple portfolio website using Microsoft technologies like GitHub and Azure. Note: If you are unable to achieve Alpha status within the specified time limit, you may be expelled from the program.
Benefits: There are several perks to being an Alpha Ambassador, including:
Visual Studio Enterprise subscription
$150 monthly Azure credits
Access to LinkedIn Learning for the duration of your tenure as a Student Ambassador.
Beta: After successfully achieving Alpha status, you're required to host an event and report it. These events can cover any topic you choose, but they should incorporate some Microsoft technology. A common choice among many ambassadors I know is to provide an introductory class on GitHub and Git. However, I opted for a cloud skill challenge. The choice is entirely up to you, but be sure to have evidence to demonstrate the successful execution of the event. Note: You must attain Beta Ambassador status within the first year of being selected into the program.
Benefits: As a Beta Ambassador, you'll receive a swag box delivered right to your doorstep – Woohoo! This swag box is filled with various goodies, including a physical Certificate, a T-shirt, a badge with a lanyard, a Microsoft-branded water bottle, and much more. I'll include an image below so you can take a look at them.
Gold: Achieving the Gold Tier is the highest level within the program. This demonstrates that you've gone above and beyond in helping your community and contributing to the Ambassador program. To become a Gold Ambassador, you must have been in the program for a minimum of one year and have actively participated in a majority of the available activities. You can nominate yourself for consideration as a Gold Ambassador, and if you've demonstrated enough dedication, you may be recognized as one. P.S. I'm currently a Beta Ambassador, giving my best to reach this tier as well :)
Benefits: There are a lot of benefits to being a Gold Ambassador:
Gold swag box
Program leadership opportunity and pilot activity participation
Consideration for special events and speaking engagements
Microsoft Most Valued Professional (MVP) mentorship
Consideration for Microsoft Most Valued Professional (MVP) nomination
Consideration for the Windows Insider Most Valuable Professional (MVP) program
Consideration for a personalized Letter of Recommendation signed by Student Ambassadors Global Program Director
The image below shows the Gold swag box contents.
When you have reached the Gold level you have officially graduated from the program and you have done everything there is to do. You've demonstrated to the community that you're a great leader. If you still wish to contribute to the community, there are opportunities, one of which is becoming a Microsoft Most Valued Professional, or MVP for short. I'm still in the process of learning more about the MVP role, so I won't delve into it much at the moment. However, who knows? It might be my next goal. If I manage to reach the Gold tier, I'll aim to release another blog similar to this one, focusing on the MVP program.
How to apply
You can apply to be a student ambassador on the official MVP communities page of Microsoft here.
You just need to provide some basic personal information such as your full name, gender, the university you're studying at etc. Then, you'll be directed to answer the application questions. There will be three options: Welcome, Guide, and Connect. You'll have to respond to one of these with a 2-minute video application, and for the others, you can type in your answers.
That's it! Well done on completing your application. Now, simply click on 'Submit', and the application will be sent for review. You'll receive the result via email. One thing to keep in mind is that the application is always open, but the selection process occurs quarterly every year.
As I've mentioned in my journey, it's crucial to prepare thoroughly for the program. Take your time when answering the questions and demonstrate well to Microsoft that you are the right person for the role. Below, I'll provide some of the videos that helped me in the application process.
First video:
Second video:
Conclusion
So, that's it! Thank you! for taking the time to read this blog and I'd also like to thank Mr. Pablo Veramendi - Global Director (Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors) and Ms. Korrie Miller - Senior Program Manager (Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors) and my fellow ambassadors for their continued support they've given me in this journey.
We Student Ambassadors have the option to nominate someone for the program. So, if you feel up to the opportunity and believe you can contribute to the program, do not hesitate to contact me. I'll do my best to assist you in any way I can.
If you have any further questions or doubts about the program, please feel free to reach out to me on my LinkedIn.
Good luck! I hope you'll be selected to become a great Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador one day :)