Contributor stories

If you have ever participated in this content Microsoft Learn PlatformThe material you have used was likely written or co-authored by a dedicated contributor. These contributors are mostly volunteers, willing to provide their time and expertise to fill knowledge gaps within the portfolio and keep the content up to date.

In this Contributor Stories In this interview series, we aim to get to know some of these valuable contributors. Through these conversations, we hope to understand their motivations for sharing their knowledge and gain insight into their experiences.

We are happy to have it Sean Killeen Join us today. A native of the Philadelphia area, Sean has over 15 years of experience solving problems as a leader and developer for commercial, non-profit, and federal clients. Currently working He worked remotely from his home in Arlington, Virginia as Vice President of Innovation and Products for SCT Software. He also Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP). In addition to loving your job, It’s too much many, there is season he is Enjoying being ~ dad (And with my husband!) Enjoy a delicious beer, explore the Arlington area, or just sing along somewhere.

Sean has been selected for this month’s Contributor Stories article because of his strong commitment to sharing his knowledge with others. He is a frequent and valuable contributor. Microsoft Learn platform.

meet sean

Sean Killeen – VP of Innovation and Products at SCT Software

Sherry: Welcome, Sean! Congratulations on being featured in this month’s Contributor Story for being a top contributor at Microsoft! I know our listeners are eager to hear about your contributions and why you started contributing to Microsoft in the first place. Before we get into all that, can you tell us a little bit about your background and experience?

Sean: Thank you, Sherry. Thank you. I’m so honored to be nominated for the Contributor Stories program.

Sherry: That’s great to hear. So, what got you into the world of computers and programming?

Sean: I have had a background in computers and programming since I was young. Fortunately, my father was part of the early generation of programmers. I have benefited from both his knowledge as a self-taught programmer and his endless patience with my many questions. (Thanks, Dad!)

Sherry: It’s great to get inspired so early. How did you start developing the technique?

Sean: I found myself building and experimenting. VB5 applications and ASP and ASP.NET. I absorbed everything I could from MSDN magazine, Wrox books, and early bloggers. In the 8th grade, I went to work for the Bristol Township School District while I was still a student. I cleaned and repaired computers, learned about networking and administration, and worked on early versions of their website.

Sherry: Impressive! You’ve already accomplished a lot at such a young age. What was your next step after graduating from high school?

Sean: One of the first things I did as a consultant was When I was still in high school I worked as a subcontractor for someone doing ASP work at Oxford University.. As an undergraduate, I wanted to explore academic fields other than technology, which led me to major in American Studies at Muhlenberg College. I have had great success since then, thanks to the diversity and interdisciplinary nature of a liberal arts education.

Sherry: How did your career develop after graduating from college?

Sean: I graduated in 2009, and the job market was tough at the time, but fortunately I got a chance to work at Dakota Consulting, and that’s where I started my career. I moved to Washington, D.C., worked as an IT manager, and then moved into consulting, which gave me the opportunity to work at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab and KCIC, where I grew as a leader.

After that, I joined CoStar Group to gain experience in larger organizations and witnessed the launch of Apartments.com. My career took a big leap forward at Excella Consulting, where I led major legacy modernization efforts, became a conference speaker, and contributed to open source software. I stayed there for about 6 years and eventually became a Principal Technical Fellow. I am currently the Vice President of Innovation and Products at SCT Software. Leading a talented team that brings new products to market with cutting edge technology.

I feel fortunate to be contributing to the community I live in. – Sean Killeen

Sherry: It’s been a long journey, Shawn. Your career path has been inspiring and diverse. It’s clear that you’ve had a wide range of experiences that have helped you grow into the professional you are today. Can you tell me more about your involvement in community-driven initiatives and open source contributions? How has that impacted your career?

Sean: entirely. I’ve always found joy in contributing to the tech community, mainly because I’ve benefited from others sharing their knowledge for free. That inspiration led me to give back through blogging, contributing to open source projects, and participating in community events. I .NET DC User Group, Speak at a conferenceAnd I worked on various OSS projects. One of my proudest moments was helping to revamp the documentation for the NUnit project, eventually leading to me becoming the documentation lead and a core team member. Contributing to OSS is more than just giving back. It’s becoming part of something bigger, a community where we all help each other grow.

Sherry: I’m glad to hear how much you value community and collaboration. By the way, can you tell me about the Microsoft MVP initiative where you discovered such a discrepancy in SQL Server content? How did that experience influence your involvement in the MVP community?

Sean: Interestingly enough, I didn’t try to contribute to “MVP Initiative” in itself. It started with a simple request from Randolph West. From the MVP mailing listI asked if anyone had noticed a typo in a SQL Server error message. That gave me an idea. In 2022, I A Hacktoberfest project to automate spell checking of documents. Since the SQL Server documentation was open source, I was able to use tools like cSpell to identify inconsistencies throughout the documentation. It wasn’t just about finding errors. It was about using my skills and tools to make meaningful contributions. My journey as an MVP was somewhat unique in that I received the award right before my son was born and during a pandemic. I had to balance personal responsibilities, but I continue to strive to contribute in a way that benefits the broader developer community.

Sherry: Your commitment to the community is clear. What prompted you to start contributing to platforms like Microsoft Learn and Microsoft Tech Community? What motivates you to continue?

Sean: I am passionate about the idea of ​​open documentation and learning materials. Early in my career, I was deeply inspired by people who shared their knowledge freely, and that motivated me to do the same. The ability to make a difference, no matter how small, that can help others is incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s supporting OSS projects, blogging, or answering questions in the community, I’m driven by the idea that we’re all in this together. Someone recently thanked me for a blog post I wrote nine years ago. That kind of impact of something I did a few years ago that continues to help others keeps me going.

Sherry: It’s clear that your contributions have had a lasting impact. How has your contribution to the Microsoft Learn platform specifically helped you in your career or personal growth?

Sean: I see my contributions as giving back to the community rather than directly to Microsoft, but there’s no doubt that putting myself out there and finding ways to add value has opened up countless opportunities. What I was involved in New Unit The project is a perfect example. I started by helping to move the documentation into a more cohesive format, and as a result Learn new skills, I got noticed and eventually was invited to join the core team. This kind of journey of willingness to help and learn leads to personal and professional growth is something I’ve experienced repeatedly in the OSS community.

Sherry: This is a powerful example of how contributions can lead to unexpected opportunities. Do you have any advice for people who want to start contributing to open source content?

Sean: entirely. First, don’t succumb to impostor syndrome. There will always be a need in the community, and you likely already have the skills to make a big impact. Start with tools and projects you are familiar with or admire, and find areas where you can add value. Contributing to OSS is about building relationships, so approach it with a mindset of collaboration and respect. And don’t be afraid to try different types of contributions until you find one that brings you positive energy. The community is huge, and there’s always a place where your contributions are valued.

Sean Killeen and his family

Sherry: Great advice, Sean. What do you do in your free time outside of work? Do you have any hobbies or activities that help you unwind?

Sean: Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time working on launching several cloud-based products, but my favorite role right now is being a dad to my son Eamon. He’s four and watching him grow is a constant source of joy and fun. I also love singing and musicals. I sing whenever I get the chance. I’ve found a lot of peace in the past few years exploring the outdoors and taking long walks. Poetry is another passion of mine and I often find inspiration in everyday moments.

Sherry: It sounds like you’re living a rich and fulfilling life, both professionally and personally. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey or contributions?

Sean: I would like to thank my wife for the tremendous support I receive. She is the one who allows me to contribute and do what I do. Her daily efforts in caring for our children and family allow me to fully function in my professional and local roles. I am incredibly grateful to her and our partners everywhere who support us in pursuing our passions.

Sherry: Sean, thank you for sharing your story with us. Your journey is truly inspiring.

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