What began as a surprising phone call turned into a transformative career in tech. In this story, MVP Anja Schröder shares how curiosity, community, and a passion for Microsoft 365 led her from a commercial apprenticeship to becoming a Microsoft MVP and a champion for women in IT.
One Call That Changed Everything
Sometimes, all it takes is one unexpected moment to change the course of a life. For Anja, that moment came in the form of a phone call - one she hadn’t planned for, but one that would launch her into a career she now calls her passion.
From Business Training to IT Trailblazer
Anja originally set out to pursue a commercial apprenticeship. But during the application process, the HR manager - someone she had never met before - saw something different in her. He suggested she consider a role in IT instead. Surprised but curious, Anja said yes. That decision turned out to be one of the best she’s ever made.
Her journey began with server configuration and license consulting, but her heart quickly found its home in Microsoft 365. As the platform evolved, so did she. Learning became a constant, and Anja embraced it - not just to keep up, but to create meaningful solutions, help customers, and explore new ways to solve challenges.
The Power of Lifelong Learning
One of the most important lessons Anja learned early on was that in IT, you’re never truly “done” learning. The field changes constantly, and that’s exactly what excites her. What once felt overwhelming became a source of inspiration - a chance to grow, adapt, and innovate.
Finding Her Place in the Community
A turning point came when Anja realized that traditional IT training no longer answered her questions. She wanted more - more depth, more experimentation, more connection. That’s when she discovered the power of the tech community.
In her words, “No one in IT knows everything - and that’s okay. That’s why sharing knowledge is so valuable.”
She began networking with like-minded professionals, sharing her insights, and learning from others. Her first speaking engagement, her own sessions, and the opportunity to help build the M365 practice in her company were all milestones that shaped her path.
And then, one year ago, Anja was honored with the Microsoft MVP Award for Teams and SharePoint - a moment she describes as “incredible.”
M365 News Show: Learning Together
To stay on top of the ever-evolving Microsoft 365 landscape, Anja co-founded the M365 News Show with four fellow MVPs. What started as a simple idea, turned into a live show, podcast, and YouTube channel. The show isn’t just about news. It’s about community-driven learning, answering questions from viewers, and diving deeper into topics that spark curiosity. It’s a space where MVPs and newcomers alike grow together.
Teams and SharePoint: Her Dream Team
While there are countless exciting technologies out there, Anja’s heart belongs to Teams and SharePoint. For her, they’re not just tools - they’re the core of modern collaboration.
She’s passionate about helping organizations embrace digital transformation, simplify workflows, and make teamwork not just more efficient, but more enjoyable. Every customer challenge is an invitation to get creative, and that’s what drives her.
Championing Women in Tech
Today, Anja leads the Collaboration Platform team at her company and regularly speaks at conferences. One of her biggest missions? Encouraging women to enter the IT field and confidently claim their space.
Her journey began with a single phone call. Today, she’s a recognized MVP, a community leader, and a role model for others. Microsoft 365, the community, and the constant evolution of the tech world make her work not just exciting, but deeply fulfilling.
What’s Your MVP Story?
Were you inspired by Anja’s journey? Have you taken an unexpected path into tech?
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