Microsoft MVP 2020 – A journey so far
It is with great happiness and excitement that I can announce that my Microsoft MVP status had been renewed for 2020 in Office Apps & Services! I feel extremely honoured and grateful for the opportunity to positively contribute to a community that has been affected by so much this year – and be recognised for it.
Recently, I have had many members of my local technology community enquiring about the MVP Award and why I value it so highly. So, I thought I would do a blog post explaining what it is, how to get it and why I work towards achieving it each year.
Being awarded the MVP Award is, in my opinion, Microsoft’s way of thanking leaders within technical communities for their continued advocation and education around product/service use and understanding. A Microsoft Most Valuable Professional works within their community to collaborate, share and inspire. They are an identifiable member of their community that can be turned to for help and assistance in their designated product/service knowledge areas.
Microsoft also provides their own definition; “…technology experts who passionately share their knowledge with the community. They are always on the “bleeding edge” and have an unstoppable urge to get their hands on new, exciting technologies. They have very deep knowledge of Microsoft products and services, while also being able to bring together diverse platforms, products, and solutions, to solve real world problems. MVPs make up a global community of over 4,000 technical experts and community leaders across 90 countries/regions and are driven by their passion, community spirit, and quest for knowledge. Above all and in addition to their amazing technical abilities, MVPs are always willing to help others – that’s what sets them apart.” (Microsoft, 2020)
As far as the criteria, Microsoft want you to be an expert in whatever it is you love to do! I personally am extremely passionate about everything Cloud and Office Apps & Services related. I enjoy staying up to date with the latest products/services and learning every aspect of them so I can share this knowledge within technical communities through speaking, mentoring, and blogging opportunities.
To be considered for the MVP Award, a nomination referral must be submitted by a Microsoft Full Time Employee or a Microsoft MVP. Once this has been done, you will receive a link to complete the award nomination form. Then, Microsoft reviews the nomination! Please keep in mind, this process can take up to 90 days due to the number of applications they receive.
I am so immensely grateful to be recognised by Microsoft as an MVP within my community for 2020! It truly is a privilege and I look forward to the year ahead! To learn more about Microsoft’s MVP Award please visit: https://mvp.microsoft.com/en-us