Sarah Kong Interview
In this interview, I am excited to introduce Sarah Kong who has 30 years of experience in the IT Industry and is a remarkable Microsoft Technical Trainer. Sarah not only delivers training to Microsoft enterprise customers but also, as an MCT Program Manager, plays a significant role in engaging and supporting Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) both within and outside of Microsoft. Her dedication and expertise have been instrumental in the growth of many professionals. Sarah has a passion for professional development and is committed to guiding others in their growth.
Let’s learn more about Sarah
Tell us about yourself?
Well, I learnt how to walk at 9 months? Ha, joking. As you can see I like humour in life. Born in England but grew up in Canada. Mum is British, dad was Chinese. Hence people saying or thinking… the last name is Kong but she doesn’t quite look full Chinese. Single mother of 2 amazing kids and a cockapoo.
How did you get started with Microsoft Azure?
I was working at a learning partner as Microsoft Certified Trainer delivering SharePoint Admin courses. Then Azure came out and it seemed like a logical transition. Taught my first Azure class back in 2015. Oh and I failed the Azure Admin exam first time out. It’s a hard one… it is now the AZ-104 exam.
What is a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)?
Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) are the premier technical and instructional experts in Microsoft technologies. When you join this esteemed group of worldwide training professionals, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to Microsoft benefits and readiness resources designed to enhance your training career and engage with Microsoft teams. Microsoft Training Services Partners are required to deliver official Microsoft courseware using Microsoft Certified Trainers. Membership in the MCT Program qualifies you to deliver this official Microsoft courseware in our customer skilling ecosystem. Learn more at the following Microsoft Learn link, Microsoft Certified Trainer | Microsoft Learn.
Can anyone become an Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) and what are the requirements?
Lots of changes happening to the program in the next 6 months to a year. But as of right now you need to have completed the ISC certification from a local provider and then you must hold at least one associate or expert level exam. Further details at the following Microsoft Learn link, New MCT Enrollment Process | Microsoft Learn.
If I require support as an MCT, or someone who is looking to become an MCT and has questions, where do I go for help?
Our MCT Lounge. It’s a community of MCTs supporting each other. The lounge has a chat where you can post questions. We run live events every month on the MCT program on what is up and coming. And MCTs run live events monthly on course deliveries. We also have learning resources for trainers on how to deliver a course in our MCT onboarding hub. And so much more.
Will my MCT certification be revoked if I stop providing training? How do I retain my MCT certification?
As of right now you need to maintain your Microsoft certifications and you need to have proof of at least one training delivery in the past year by using an MTM survey or upload a learner satisfaction report from another training delivery system. Further details at the following Microsoft Learn link, MCT Renewal and Reinstatement | Microsoft Learn.
Do Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCT’s) receive any additional benefits from Microsoft?
You get discounted exams, access to a lab environment, azure subscription and more. You can read about them all at the following Microsoft Learn link, Microsoft Certified Trainer | Microsoft Learn
The Microsoft Certified Trainer status is an annual membership program. How is the MCT certification renewed?
At the time of writing our systems are going through an upgrade and all MCT’s have been automatically renewed until January 17th 2025. Once our tool is back up, you will be able to renew online. Tool is expected to be up by end of December 2024.
What are the job opportunities like as an MCT?
There are a few ways you can go about it. You can work full-time or on a contract basis for a training services partner. Alternatively, you can purchase the Learning Action Pack and work for yourself. Once you become an MCT, there’s a Job Connections blog in the MCT lounge where training service providers post jobs that need to be filled. Additionally, the lounge is a great way to network and find job opportunities.
Are MCT’s allowed to record training sessions when using the Microsoft trainer material/slide decks?
It is at the discretion of their Training Services Provider (TSP).
Why Microsoft courses and certifications?
Well this is a silly question. Haha. But seriously, getting certified significantly boosts your job prospects. Let me tell you a story about myself. I took some time off from tech to raise my kids, and when I came back, I couldn’t find a job despite having over 13 years of experience in IT. My certifications had all expired. So, I went and got all my Windows Server 2008 and SharePoint certifications, and I landed a job in less than 3 months. Invest in yourself, get certified, and then show it off on LinkedIn.
What do you enjoy about your role as a technical trainer?
White boarding and engaging my learners to learn with me. I love when I can tell that they are really into the learning. And I love helping other trainers, which fits my new role as MCT Program Manager. Excited for this new chapter to help MCTs after being one for 25 years. I plan to further what my amazing predecessor did Tracey Carisch. Big shoes to fill.
I’ve worked as a trainer for several years, I would love to join Microsoft but don’t think I am good enough? I feel that I may make a fool out of myself if I don’t know something. Any advice?
Ah the old imposter complex. We all get it from time to time. One thing I can tell you about our culture is we are truly one Microsoft. Which means we help each other. Our internal MCTs are always running learning meetings where you can go and ask for help. I like to say if one trainer looks bad we all look bad. So let’s support each other and raise each other up. And if you got hired at Microsoft then you’re doing something right.
Are Microsoft always looking for new trainers? How do I apply?
Not always but at least 2-3 times a year globally. Go to careers.microsoft.com and create an alert for trainers. And follow me on LinkedIn as I will post news on MCTs and hiring.
You’ve been a trainer for a long time, do you still get nervous when presenting in front of an audience?
Sunday night before a class I can never sleep so what does that tell you. Lol. Yeah I do. Especially if it’s a class that I have only taught a couple of times. But AZ-104, AZ-305, AZ-700, SC-300 and AZ-500 expect a lot of whiteboarding and lively discussions. Those classes I love and never get nervous to deliver.
I have technical knowledge primarily working with solutions hosted on-premises. I would like to get started with Microsoft Azure. Where could I start out as a beginner?
I would start with AZ-104. That’s the Azure Administrator course that is probably the toughest exam but it’s the most comprehensive and will give you the full picture of Azure infrastructure.
Does Microsoft give you the opportunity to learn in your role?
Nah. Haha of course! We get prep weeks where all we do is have our noses in books learning and certifying on the next big thing.
Do you have any final words of wisdom that you would like to share?
There are so many avenues in the cloud. Take your time and find a focus. You don’t need to know it all. No one does. Find what you’re passionate about. Mine is infrastructure and security. Good luck and keep on learning.
End of interview
Sarah Kong Socials:
YouTube: Sarah Kong YouTube
LinkedIn: Sarah Kong LinkedIn
Learning Room: MCT Learning Room
