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Microsoft Leap - All You Need To Know
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Published onSeptember 3, 2024
published onSeptember 3, 2024
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Microsoft Leap can help you break into the tech industry if you’re from a profession not aligned with the traditional schooling for computer science careers.
So, you could be a musician, carpenter, tailor, high school teacher, freelance ghostwriter, game streamer, grocery store clerk, salesperson, and so on. Microsoft Leap is your pathway for a career transformation. It can help you fill the shortage of IT engineers, focusing on emerging tech niches like AI and ML.
Read on until the end to learn how to apply from various non-IT professions with basic IT training in your resume.
What Is Microsoft Leap?
Microsoft Leapis a Microsoft-sponsoredcohort-based apprenticeship program. It helps Microsoft bring fresh talent to the information technology industry from unconventional professions.
It’s a16-week immersive experiencethat offers hands-on training and real-world projects. Think of it as a full-fledged outcome-oriented IT course, where you’ll work alongside experienced Microsoft or partner organization engineers. At the end of the course, you should acquire enough skills and expertise to take part in similar IT projects.
The program isopen to persons from all professions. Even if you don’t come from a traditional computer science background, you can apply.
All in all, Microsoft Leap is your best bet if you’re passionate about IT and ready to dive into a challenging yet rewarding learning experience.
Pros and Cons of the Program
Find below why the program might or might not be suitable for you:
Technology Training Pathways
This apprentice program’s specialty is the flexibility of choices for the learning path. You don’t have to go through a rigid set of learning materials. You can choose one track from various technology niches:
Learning programs and specialties change frequently depending on the trends and talent requirements in the industry. So, if you don’t possess the required basic training in the above niches, check back next recruitment season for newer roles.
Application Eligibility
You should apply for the Leap apprenticeship program if you fulfill the following requirements:
While the application process for Microsoft Leap is relatively simple,some of the requirements seem to contradict the program’s stated goals.
A clear example of inconsistency is, if you select the Azure Specialist role and have a basic understanding of cloud computing, you might not qualify. The eligibility criteria require applicants to demonstrate prior experience in cloud computing, which could be challenging for those without a traditional IT education.
However, the program seems to benefit IT professionals and recent graduates who may struggle to secure desired roles due to limited networking or experience at prestigious companies. Those with sufficient prior experience in their chosen pathway are likely to gain significant advantages from the program.
How To Apply for a Microsoft Leap Cohort
An interesting fact is you can’t apply directly for the apprenticeship program from the Microsoft Leap website. Youmust use the link provided in one of its social media handles.
So, if you’re looking for a seat in this campaign, join the social media handles as soon as possible. Then, check them regularly for application-related announcements, links, instructions, etc.
Theapplication window is short.Microsoft has designed it in a way that only truly enthusiasts would apply. For example, for the January 21, 2025 – May 9, 2025 training session, Microsoft had announced the application windowonly two weeks before the commencement date.
Also, the application timeframe was open only for seven days.
Microsoft Leap Program – Your Expectations
The application process will be elaborate. You’ll have to go through creative and technical questions, that Microsoft won’t reveal before application.
Moreover, the Leap recruiters will thoroughly review your application. You must also pass multiple interview sessions after the preliminary selection process. Usually, there will betwo virtual interviews of 45 minuteseach.
The interviewer will assess your knowledge and expertise in the following areas:
You should also know that Leap will only choose a few candidates from each application lot. So, you must deliver your best during all the phases.
Additionally, the learning experience you can expect from Leap is state-of-the-art. A team of expert Microsoft engineers and training facilitators have created the course content and designed it. The program includes classroom sessions, virtual events, on-the-job project work, virtual project sessions, etc.
You can also expect to learn other related skills besides technical ones. For example, the course content will also train you on the following topics:
Find other minute yet important expectations below:
How To Stay Informed
The program organizer will make all the training updates through its social media channels. Here are the most relevant platforms and mediums you should keep an eye on:
Events
TheEvents portalwill provide links to various webinars related to the Leap cohorts. Here’s how you can use this resource effectively to aid your application and interview process:
Follow theMicrosoft Leap home page on LinkedIn. Scroll through all of its posts to learn about upcoming application windows, guidelines, and so on.
If you’re more of a Facebook person,Microsoft Leapis also available on this platform. It shows similar program updates as the LinkedIn handle.
X (Twitter)
You can also stay in the know about all Leap announcements by subscribing to thisX (Twitter) handle.
How To Get Help With Microsoft Leap
To clear your doubts about this program, you can visit theFrequently asked questionspage.
If you don’t find enough information there, navigate to theContact Uswebpage of Microsoft Leap.
Click on theSubject drop-downmenu and choose an option from three primary fields:
A detailed form will open. You can then enter your query in the Message field along with demographic data, like First name, Last name, and Email.
Before you can submit your query, you’ll have to resolve the available Captcha challenge.
Summary
Microsoft Leap is a great way to enter the IT sector especially if you’re looking for an alternative career or you’ve been a stay-at-home parent looking to enter the workforce again.
However, you might find yourself competing with experts who already worked for an IT company and are looking to work for Microsoft or one of its partner organizations.
So, as a professional from an unconventional role, invest at least six months in IT training courses online or offline. Create a good resume consisting of relevant experiences that Leap prefers. Then, you might stand a chance!
You can also accelerate your IT learning track by going through the bestoffline coding apps,education apps, andbrowsers for e-learning.
More about the topics:microsoft,Microsoft Leap
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
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Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.
