How to Become a Microsoft MVP: My Path and Tips for You

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Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (or MVP) award is given by Microsoft to recognize exceptional community leadership. Microsoft awards technology experts who passionately share their knowledge of Microsoft Technologies with others.

The Microsoft MVP website provides extensive information and answers to frequently asked questions. 

However, I’ve often been asked how to become the MVP, so I decided to share my story. 

I’ve been following many MVPs and learning a lot from them for years, but I didn’t dream of becoming one of them someday. The funny thing is that I didn’t have a tangible goal to become an MVP. 

It all started in July 2021, when I began sharing tweets about what’s new in .NET. I made a pact with myself to tweet one post every day until the end of the year. Why? I finished reading James Clear’s book “Atomic Habits” and was inspired by the strategy of taking small steps to achieve goals.

Posting every day helped me learn many new .NET features, but there was a side effect: I was helping others, too. My follower count started growing — first slowly, then faster and faster. This motivated me to continue.

At the end of the year, I created my first blog (it’s gone 😉). I was also invited to speak at local meet-ups.

So when 2022 came, I didn’t stop posting even though I had completed the deal with myself. I realized that I liked to help people.

This newsletter is the outcome of the very first step made in 2022 😀

You can’t apply for the MPV award by yourself. Only a Microsoft employee or another MVP can nominate you. 

And on 18 Jan 2022, I got a message from Microsoft MVP on Twitter:

To be honest, I couldn’t believe that 😮

However, the nomination doesn’t mean you automatically get the status of Microsoft MPV. You have to complete the MVP Application online form in which Microsoft product leaders and MVP Program leaders will review your technical expertise and community contributions that you indicate on the MVP Application.

But after more than one month of waiting, I got the congratulations email:

Being a Microsoft MVP doesn’t mean you work at Microsoft. In fact, a Microsoft employee cannot be an MVP. 

Microsoft MVPs don’t get paid, either 😀

Microsoft MVPs receive several key benefits, including early access to Microsoft preview products and direct communication with product teams, which provide insights into upcoming roadmaps. They are also invited to the MVP Summit, an annual event at Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, where they can engage with executives and product teams.

Additionally, MVPs connect with regional Microsoft leaders, creating opportunities for local collaboration. Other benefits include an executive recognition letter, official MVP credentials, and access to various tools and services, such as Visual Studio Enterprise, Azure Credits, Microsoft 365, GitHub Copilot, LinkedIn Learning, and additional third-party perks.

There are no straight steps to becoming an MVP. You can write blogs, post on social media, record videos, speak at meet-ups and conferences, and do whatever you can to share your knowledge with others.

I was fortunate to be nominated so fast. Many MVPs have been sharing their knowledge for years before getting the award. It’s a marathon.

Consistency. You get an award for one year, and every year, you complete the MVP Application. In the application, you must add all your activities from one year backward.

Expercy. You have to be an expert in the field. Learn and develop your skills continuously. 

Leadership. Be proactive in your communities. Teach and mentor less experienced peers. 

Don’t give up. If you didn’t become an MVP, you could try again next year. 

Experiment. If you tried something, for example, blogging, and didn’t like it, try recording videos.

Patience. You won’t get results immediately from the beginning. Take your time. The more you do, the more you get in time. It’s like compound interest.

A long journey requires many small steps. The first step is the hardest.  

If you aim to become a Microsoft MVP, remember that it’s not about the title — it’s about your impact on the community. Focus on sharing your knowledge through blogging, speaking, open-source contributions, or helping others in forums. Consistency and passion matter more than numbers.

Every MVP started as someone who enjoyed helping others. Keep contributing, stay engaged, and opportunities will come. Even if you don’t become an MVP right away, the journey will make you a better professional, open new doors, and expand your network. Stay committed, and recognition will follow!