Microsoft Regional Director
I received some amazing news after nearly five years. I am now the Regional Director of Microsoft Community. I received an email from Microsoft this morning that begins with
“I am delighted that you have accepted the Microsoft Regional Director Program!”
Table of Contents
Don’t let the title fool you. I am not back at Microsoft as a Full Time Employee (FTE). It is a Community Leadership award.
“This program has a high standard of admission. Your selection is a testament to your technical and business knowledge, community leadership, ability to connect with Microsoft customers and partners, as well as your ability to connect to our product group professionals.
You might be wondering why 5 years later? The simple answer is that you lose the community awards like Microsoft Most Valuable Professional or Microsoft Regional Director as soon as your FTE status is granted by Microsoft. Because I am not currently employed by Microsoft, I am eligible to receive, based upon my community contributions.
This recognition is a great honor for me, especially because I do what I love.
What is the Microsoft Regional Director Program?
Microsoft Regional Directors are technology enthusiasts who work independently to promote and deal with Microsoft technologies in their region. Although it may seem like they are on Microsoft’s payroll, this is not true. They are Microsoft Student Associates, Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals, Microsoft Student Partners, or Microsoft Student Associates.
Microsoft Regional Director Program
Microsoft Regional DirectorMicrosoft MVPs can be selected based on their contributions to a particular technology and are not restricted by geographical location. Microsoft Regional Directors, unlike Microsoft MVPs are independent developers, trainers or professionals who act as a vital link between Microsoft’s developer community and Microsoft.
A Regional Director is typically an expert who focuses exclusively on software development tools. However, a Microsoft MVP can be an expert in any of the many Microsoft software and services such as Windows.
He/She might be an expert in a specific area, making a significant impact on their technical community. RDs provide valuable feedback to Microsoft about emerging technologies and are invited at seminars and conferences to share their expertise in technology.
The best of the Microsoft Developer Community are represented by the Regional Directors. We work across all platforms and technologies, even though we are part of a Microsoft program. We trust in Microsoft’s commitment towards the developer community. Therefore, we work directly with Microsoft to improve their products and bring technology innovation to the market.
RDs are expected engage with developers and customers during their 2-year term. This could be in the form of training, delivering talks or speaking engagements as well as writing books and articles.
How to become a Microsoft Regional Director
It is not easy to become a Microsoft Region Director. It is not possible to apply for the position of Regional Director or RD. The development evangelist in a region recommends a person to his/her immediate superior, highlighting the person’s achievements, contributions, and qualities. Microsoft chooses the Regional Director based on these recommendations.
Learn more about the Microsoft Regional Director Program here
I am grateful to everyone who helped me achieve this recognition: Ann Johnson, Microsoft Corporate Vice President, Mary Kate Sincero Regional Director Program Manager, Deepak Rejendran Community Lead, Tiberiu Covaci, Azure Community Lead Tiberiu, and everyone else in my life who gives positive energy.
We are stronger together