EPISODE 046 - Career: How do you become an MVP?

04/28/25 • 12 min

In this episode of the Get Shit Done in IT podcast, Michael Seidl introduces the concept of Microsoft Valuable Professionals (MVPs) and discusses the importance of community engagement in becoming an MVP. He emphasizes that being an MVP is not solely about technical expertise but about sharing knowledge and contributing to the community. The episode outlines the steps to becoming an MVP, including the need for consistent community work and the nomination process by existing MVPs.
Takeaways
• MVPs spread knowledge to the community for free.
• Community work is essential to becoming an MVP.
• Technical expertise is not a requirement for MVPs.
• Passion for community engagement is crucial.
• MVPs often focus on specific topics of expertise.
• Nominations for MVPs come from other MVPs.
• Community contributions can take many forms.
• It's a long-term commitment to community work.
• The MVP title should not be the primary goal.
• Enjoying the process is key to sustaining involvement.
Sound Bites
• "You do a lot for the community."
• "You have to do your community stuff."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Microsoft MVPs
03:01 Understanding the Role of an MVP
05:57 The Path to Becoming an MVP
12:14 Community Engagement and Nomination Process

Previous Episode

EPISODE 045 - Career: How do I prepare a tech session?

In this episode of the Get Shit done in IT Podcast, Michael Seidl shares his insights on preparing for a tech session. He emphasizes the importance of choosing a topic you are passionate about, the process of applying to speak at conferences, and the significance of engaging with your audience. Michael discusses his personal experiences and the time investment required to create a meaningful session, highlighting the need for real-life examples and audience interaction.
Takeaways
• Find a topic you love to talk about.
• Passion for the subject enhances the quality of the session.
• Preparation for a session can take several days.
• Choose a conference that aligns with your expertise.
• Write a compelling proposal to secure a speaking slot.
• Use demos and real-life examples instead of fancy PowerPoints.
• Adjust your content based on the audience's background.
• Engage with the audience and encourage feedback.
• Share personal experiences and failures to connect with attendees.
• Foster a conversation rather than positioning yourself as the sole expert.
Sound Bites
• "Find a topic you love."
• "I want to listen to them."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Preparing a Tech Session
02:53 Finding Your Passionate Topic
05:46 Choosing the Right Conference
09:12 Crafting Your Session Content
12:13 Engaging with Your Audience