#140: Danny Chung – Marine Veteran, Microsoft Chief of Staff of Military Affairs

Danny Chung is an positive example of a Veteran that found a way to give back to the transitioning active-duty community. 
Danny’s team is trying to do is fill a gap in the civilian workforce. At any given time, there are over 500,000 open jobs in the computer industry. The current education system is producing only 49,000 computer science majors a year. Danny’s goal is to fill the gap with a portion of the 250,000 service-members that leave active duty every year.
One solution is the Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA). It is an 18-week course that active duty can take on base towards the end of their service. They offer training in high demand fields like cloud development, cloud administration, cybersecurity, databases and business intelligence administration. In addition, graduates are guaranteed an interview with Microsoft or an industry partner. There are currently 15 military bases that offer the MSSA.
Currently, Danny’s biggest drive is to help military spouses find gainful employment in the technology industry. The Military Spouse Technology Academy is an effort by Danny’s team to combat the military spouse 18% unemployment and 53% underemployment rates.
In addition, we talk about his service, difficulties transitioning during the Great Recession, and his feelings on artificial intelligence taking over the planet.
Enjoy.
#BTBattle Veteran of the Week:
Army Air Corps Veteran Dick Cole
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/37196/veteranoftheday-army-air-corps-veteran-richard-dick-cole/
ADDITIONAL LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:
military.microsoft.com
https://www.hiringourheroes.org/
https://www.troops2transport.com/
https://worldwide.erau.edu/microsoft-software-systems-academy/
https://www.stmartin.edu/academics/programs-schools/hal-and-inge-marcus-school-engineering/areas-of-study/microsoft-software-and-systems-academy