XtremeLabs will be featuring a panel of Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) in our upcoming MCT Community Insights Webinar as they discuss successful training strategies, how they prepare for the classroom, and other questions from the MCT community.

Panelist Spotlight

Gulnaz Mushtaq has been an MCT since 2018, has trained hundreds of students all over the world and is now serving the MCT community in Pakistan as a Regional Lead. Gulnaz has experience in training, project management, supervisory & leadership, information technology & management, computer networking, system administration, database administration, website development, software quality assurance, IT procurement and IT policy manual development. She has worked with both the public and development sectors that include Pacific Business Solutions Ltd London, Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination Islamabad, USAID, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Ministry of Finance Pakistan, Asian Development Bank, Hashoo Foundation and Mobilink Telecom Pakistan. She encourages her fellow MCTs to pass along their commitment to education and passion for problem-solving to Microsoft’s professional community around them. Apart from teaching, she has written lessons on Microsoft Azure, Windows Server (2012 R2, 2016, 2019), TMG Proxy and Exchange DAG deployment. 

MCT Interview

1. What inspired you to become an MCT?  

In 2014 when I was working on a project for USAID, I was assigned a task to design some online trainings for the IT professionals of civil society organizations. That was a great experience for me being an online instructor. in 2017 Corvit Systems Islamabad offered me an opportunity to become a trainer to train people in Microsoft technologies. So, I was the first-ever female instructor in the history of Corvit Systems. I was challenged to overcome any kind of difficulties and broke the stereotypes. I have trained hundreds of students and professionals. I have also conducted much corporate training in different organizations. People’s satisfaction and feedback on the courses I teach, and my institution’s appreciation had inspired me to become a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT). So, in 2018, I become an MCT.

2. How did you plan and prepare when you first became an MCT? 

As I mentioned above, I was employed with Corvit Systems Islamabad, since April 2017 as a Microsoft Instructor and trained hundreds of students and professionals. When I became a certified trainer I started spreading awareness about Microsoft technologies and Microsoft certifications among students and professionals through various seminars. I also took part in activating the free Power BI tool in MCT Program Benefits and Tools for MCTs through requesting on Microsoft forums. I have also participated in TechNet forums as well.

3. Why are MCTs important? What do they add to the training world? 

Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) are both technical and academic experts in Microsoft technologies. As Microsoft Technologies are extremely technical, one cannot get full command of the specific technology. Therefore, an expert trainer can guide and help in a specific area of technology better than anyone else. All the MCTs get exclusive benefits including access to the complete library of official Microsoft training and certification products, substantial discounts on exams, books, and Microsoft products and they get Microsoft readiness resources to help enhance their training experience as compared to a common trainer. An MCT stays up to date on the latest news regarding Microsoft learning and connects with other MCTs around the world to get the global experience and participate in Microsoft learning.

4. What are your thoughts about the future of training? 

Microsoft has brought role-based certifications and it is in the continuous journey of bringing new technologies and related certifications. So, I am feeling a huge potential for both in the careers of MCTs and a great shift in the necessity of training in the future.

5. Do you have any advice for new MCTs or trainers who are interested in becoming MCTs?  

It is my advice for existing MCTs to pass along their commitment to education and passion for problem-solving to Microsoft’s professional community around them. MCTs can play a great role in using education and technology and performing a remarkable role to break the cycle of poverty. I highly encourage the Microsoft trainers to become the Microsoft Certified Trainer to reap the benefits of the MCT program.