Many of you have been involved in beta testing new versions of Microsoft’s software products. But have you ever considered getting involved earlier in the process, before all the features and functionality are locked? Microsoft’s User Research group is specifically interested in finding more CERTIFIED individuals to give feedback on new products and services.* You can get a sneak peek at the earliest versions, while providing guidance and direction for the product development. Participants may also receive a new Microsoft hardware or software gratuity for participating in specific studies. Don't live in the Redmond area? Not a problem. Many of the usability studies can now be done remotely.
Many of you have been involved in beta testing new versions of Microsoft’s software products. But have you ever considered getting involved earlier in the process, before all the features and functionality are locked? Microsoft’s User Research group is specifically interested in finding more CERTIFIED individuals to give feedback on new products and services.* You can get a sneak peek at the earliest versions, while providing guidance and direction for the product development. Participants may also receive a new Microsoft hardware or software gratuity for participating in specific studies.
Don't live in the Redmond area? Not a problem. Many of the usability studies can now be done remotely.
Sign up today to be eligible for an invitation to participate in a usability study, focus group, survey, or other research study.
*I’m not talking about Microsoft Learning products here, I’m talking about SQL Server, Windows client, Windows Server, Exchange, etc.--the big products, small products, and everything in between. For invitations to Microsoft Learning usability studies, make sure you fill out your Microsoft Learning SME Profile.
Thanks for the invite/notice Krista! Time to update my SME profile to include my MCSA certification.
I'm trying to update my SME profile and it tells me there are no active surveys, and no completed surveys. Do you have a way I can get hold of the people behind the SME profiles?
@ Benjamin: You can send questions about your SME Profile to mslcd@microsoft.com. But check one thing for me first--did you log in with your Windows Live ID? The page won't show the link to edit your completed survey until you're logged in.
@ everyone: Note that even though I used this as a shameless opportunity to promote the MSL SME database, I made the link to the SME profile slightly more prominent than the link to sign up for Microsoft User Research studies. I've since gone back and made the font for Sign Up Today really big. ;0)
Should I continue to MCSE 2003 or upgrade my MCSA to MCITP Enterprise Administrator. Some people says that it will take about 3 years for MCITP to be recognised.
@Niall: MCITP Enterprise Administrator has been available for over 2 years already. Regarding the "3 years," I'm not sure who said it but I think that it's probably just an off the cuff estimate. I've seen many ads/reqs asking for MCITP and MCSE in the same sentence, so it seems that the word is getting out (at least better than it was when got my first MCITP in the summer of 2008).
People are still deploying Server 2003, so the old certifications still hold water. But if you already have an MCSA on Server 2003 then I would probably go ahead and upgrade to MCITP unless you're very close to completing the MCSE.
My advice to anyone is to get certified in this order:
1. Get certified on what you know.
2. Get certified on what your employer uses.
3. Get certified on what products that represent where the market is heading.
And if your employer is mandating or pushing a particular technology certification then you'd obviously want to make that a higher priority.
@OtherKevin, thanks for your advice. I think the way you think but wasn’t sure.
Your three steps advice was very good!
Hi folks: we're hearing from our friends in User Research that certified folks are signing up in droves. THAT'S GREAT! Keep 'em coming! Tell your friends! MCTs, tell your students! (And don't be afraid to be liberal with your use of exclamation points, because I think in this case they are totally justified.)