Microsoft Certifications have been around since the early days of Windows and have grown into one of the most reputable credentials on the market today, with more than three million Microsoft Certified Professionals holding some kind of credential, according to Microsoft. 

However, many people often wonder just what sort of jobs you can apply for as someone who has achieved this level of certification. Well, you can’t just put up a strong resume using an online resume maker and submit it to every company you have your eyes on.

To help you decide what roles best suit your expertise, we put together this list of jobs that Microsoft Certified Professionals can excel in!

1. Application Development Engineer

Microsoft certification programs are designed to help IT professionals demonstrate mastery and expertise in Microsoft products and technologies. Application Development Engineer is just one common certification that can be obtained by passing the 70-533 exam. 

An Application Development Engineer (ADE) has the responsibility of designing, developing, testing, and deploying business applications. They must have excellent communication skills to work with various stakeholders within their organization as well as vendors for specific projects. 

To become an ADE at your company, you would need to fill out a job application form. If your application is accepted, you will be required to take the aforementioned exam and pass it within one year of being hired. After passing the exam, you will receive a certificate that states that you are an ADE-certified professional from Microsoft.

2. Applications Consultant

Microsoft Certified Professionals can apply for the Applications Consultant position. This job is perfect for those who are looking to work with cutting-edge technology and want to be at the forefront of a new industry. 

An Applications Consultant works as an intermediary between clients and software developers, aiding clients in understanding the best way to use their software while also acting as a liaison between these groups. 

A successful candidate is someone who has two years of experience consulting with clients, preferably within the software industry. He or she should also have excellent communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. 

Other job requirements include:

• Being proficient in Project 2010/2013 or Office 365; 
• Knowing PowerPoint 2007/2010/2013; 
• Demonstrating leadership qualities; 
• Having knowledge of working procedures, marketing campaigns, client management procedures, etc.; 
• Having knowledge of specific business processes (i.e., printing documents); and 
• Expertise with Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013.

3. Applications Developer

An Applications Developer works with IT professionals to develop software programs. Most of the time, they’ll work in teams with other developers and testers to create new products or updates to existing ones. They might also analyze user feedback, maintain and improve existing applications, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. 

Typically, Applications Developers have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field and at least four years of experience working as an Applications Developer for a company. The median annual salary is $91,980. 

4. Full-Stack Web Developer

A Full-Stack Web Developer builds both the front-end (the visual part of websites) and back-end (the programming and data management part) of a website. Sometimes, these two roles are split between two people: one person focuses on front-end development while another concentrates on back-end development. 

In either case, this job requires someone who can design user interfaces and understand how people will interact with them. Full Stack Developers typically hold degrees in information technology or software engineering; however, it’s possible to break into this career without holding a degree if you have enough industry experience. And Certified Microsoft Professionals can also apply for this role.

5. Business Intelligence Analyst

A Business Intelligence Analyst at a company is responsible for analyzing different data points, such as metrics and trends, to provide insight into what may be happening within the company. They must also analyze data to find insights that can help the company grow or improve. 

The job requires a broad understanding of mathematics, computer science, and software development. And Certified Microsoft Professionals make a great fit for this role.

6. SQL Server Developer Services Engineer/Architect/Consultant

This professional will generally work with a team to lead or assist in designing new RDBMS features for Microsoft SQL Server. Depending on the background, you may also work with the engineering teams to design new features within the RDBMS product group or collaborate with other teams in Microsoft to ensure interoperability between RDBMS and other products.

7. Data Warehouse Administrator

A Data Warehouse Administrator is a person who maintains data warehouses and ensures that the organization’s data is stored and made available to other people. They make sure that data from different sources is combined in a way that makes sense, and they are responsible for making sure that only authorized users can access the data. 

A Data Warehouse Administrator needs to have experience with databases, including relational databases, as well as with ETL tools like Informatica or Pentaho. They need to be able to work on their own but also in teams. They must also be self-motivated and good at time management. 

The position typically requires an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, Mathematics, or other related areas of study. The salary range is $63,000 – $85,000.

8. Data Warehouse Specialist

A Data Warehouse Specialist is responsible for designing and managing data warehouse systems. He or she will typically be working closely with analysts, developers, and database administrators to build a system that meets the needs of the organization. These professionals must have strong communication skills and be able to work collaboratively. 

9. SQL Server Database Administrator/BI Developer

An SQL Server Database Administrator is responsible for designing database structures and implementing security procedures to ensure reliability and performance. They must also provide backup strategies for disaster recovery purposes in order to protect sensitive information from being compromised.

A BI Developer helps organizations turn their data into valuable insights through the use of business intelligence solutions. This includes database development, designing reports, and building dashboards. 

10. Database Administrator (DBA)

Database Administrators work on the backend of an organization to ensure that all data is secure. They oversee the performance of a database, monitor security and network activity, and maintain the integrity of stored data by providing regular backups. 

They may also be responsible for planning an organization’s IT infrastructure needs, developing security plans, training employees on how to use their IT systems, and overseeing compliance with standards such as HIPAA. 

A degree in Computer Science or Information Technology is often required for this position. Additional skills needed are knowledge of SQL, NoSQL, Oracle (PL/SQL), DB2 UDB, Teradata IDOL, DB2 LUW and MySQL. Certification from Oracle (OCP) would also be beneficial.

11. Virtual Assistants

A degree in secretarial studies or business administration is often considered advantageous when applying for this type of job, but it is not necessary as many virtual assistants go on to complete postgraduate studies in order to increase their salary potential. 

These professionals are responsible for all tasks that are remotely delegated to them, including correspondence, research, and data management. Virtual assistants can expect a median salary of $41,000 per year, and these jobs usually require more than one year’s worth of experience, with some companies requiring four years’ worth before you can be eligible to apply.

12. Developer Services Engineer

Microsoft-Certified professionals with a background in development can apply for a Developer Services Engineer position. You will be responsible for designing, developing and deploying solutions that enable enterprise-wide usage of Microsoft software, as well as working to resolve any application bugs that occur. 

This professional is required to understand data requirements and provide custom tools to empower users to get the most out of their applications. The average salary is $70K-$90K depending on experience. 

13. IT Consultant

Microsoft Certified Professionals are needed across a variety of different industries. Whether you’re looking for a full-time job or just freelance work, there are plenty of opportunities for any level of experience. 

As an IT consultant, you will be assisting clients with their IT needs and can specialize in one of the following areas: Networking, Virtualization, System Center Configuration Manager, SharePoint Server 2013 Management and Administration, Windows Server 2012 R2 Administration and more. 

One perk to this job is that it is not confined to the office—you’ll have the chance to travel around to see your client’s site and implement solutions on-site.

A career in IT consulting offers many benefits for professionals with varying levels of experience, including a salary range from $100K-$200K annually.

14. Solutions Architect 

A Microsoft Solutions Architect is a person who designs and develops computer systems by designing its hardware, software, and networking in a way that offers the best possible solution to the problem at hand. 

Typically, a Solutions Architect works with various departments, such as technical development, marketing, sales, finance etc., to make sure the right technology is being used for the right need. The architect designs the solution and acts as an expert on it. 

The architect typically makes up one part of a project team which includes architects from other disciplines such as a database or network design; these are called cross-functional teams where each member provides their expertise to provide all aspects of the project.

15. Enterprise Architect

The Enterprise Architect works with business, technical, and functional teams to ensure projects are completed efficiently. This professional provides valuable input on how to structure a project and which tools can be used to complete it. They collaborate with stakeholders to understand their needs and provide clear recommendations for the project, as well as maintain documentation of the project throughout its duration. 

An Enterprise Architect also ensures that a project is completed in line with company policies and procedures. They will work closely with those involved in a project, such as Project Managers, Quality Assurance Engineers, and IT professionals to design solutions.

16. IT Project Manager 

A career in IT Project Management is one of the most flexible, lucrative, and rewarding careers you could choose as a Certified Microsoft Professional. An IT Project Manager will be responsible for coordinating a project from start to finish. This includes gathering all the information needed to complete the project, managing various stakeholders, and ensuring that deadlines are met. 

The requirements for this job are minimal outside of a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field and 5-7 years of work experience. Once hired, an IT Project Manager can expect to make $125K annually.

17. IT Security Specialist 

The IT Security Specialist is responsible for protecting an organization’s technology infrastructure and business-critical data against malicious attacks, cybercrime, and other threats. The IT Security Specialist is also responsible for designing and implementing programs to protect the organization’s technology assets. 

This professional also needs to develop strong partnerships with business stakeholders who can provide the information needed in order to define the most effective security measures.

To be qualified for this role, the specialist must have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information systems, but it may be possible to enter this field with only an associate’s degree or on-the-job training from another field.

18. Office 365 Developer Specialist 

The Office 365 Developer Specialist certification is a credential that enables professionals to be more effective with SharePoint technologies. Developers who earn this certification will have a deeper understanding of how to build solutions on the SharePoint platform, as well as meet their customer’s needs. 

This certification requires a deep understanding of both the server-side and client-side components in SharePoint. Individuals seeking this certification should have experience programming in C# or Visual Basic and JavaScript (jQuery). 

To prepare for this exam, individuals can enroll in a self-paced online training course offered by Microsoft or take an instructor-led course at a Microsoft Learning Partner.

19. SharePoint Virtualization Administrator

A SharePoint Virtualization Administrator needs to be an expert in virtualization and its associated technologies. If you are experienced with Hyper-V or VMware, you are qualified for this role. 

SharePoint Virtualization Administrators build and manage the environment where their company’s data is stored, as well as ensure that it is secure and available 24/7. They also administer databases, handle backup and recovery procedures, monitor network performance, troubleshoot problems within the system, provide support to users through various means (chat or phone), and install new software on user’s machines when needed. 

They work closely with customers to identify their needs and requirements and design solutions that meet those requirements while ensuring the scalability of the system with future growth in mind.

20. SharePoint Server 2010 Specialist

A SharePoint Server 2010 Specialist is typically a person who has the knowledge and experience to use and maintain SharePoint Server 2010 effectively. They also have the skills to diagnose problems, implement solutions, and monitor ongoing performance. 

Sharepoint Server 2010 specialists are often responsible for creating new sites and collaborating with others while using the latest in web technologies.

The Bottomline

Technology is constantly evolving and changing. With the constant change, there are jobs that will inevitably come and go. Microsoft-certified professionals are in a prime position to take advantage of these opportunities because of their knowledge base. 

There are many jobs available for individuals who have this certification, including positions in programming and data science. Data scientists salaries vary widely, but the average salary is $114K. Programmers can make up to $130K per year. These are just two examples of great jobs that Microsoft-certified professionals can apply for. 

The world is continuously looking for talented people who can provide innovative solutions; it’s only fitting that you should be one of them!