Pros: Good benefits. Reputed brand. Easier to get a job in it when compared to Yahoo, Google, and other great companies.

Cons: May not suit all kinds of people. Is not a place for geeks. In order to advance at Microsoft, an engineer would need 80% HR skills and 20% technical skills. Most of the people who work here are oblivious of the outside world and are still in the same set of mind as it was 25 years ago. Creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, and analytical thinking are neither encouraged nor valued.

Pros: There are many opportunities to move around within the company, and you are encouraged to move around if you are unhappy. Compensation/benefits are very good; I've never had any complaints there.

Cons: It's a very corporate culture. To make a real impact on a product's vision, you have to wade through multiple levels of middle management first.

Pros: Microsoft is a great place to work because it gives you not only the opportunity to influence the team you're working in, no matter the position, but also gives you the ability to get as involved as you want to be with other areas of the company. This allows you to influence the development and direction of products which you, your family, and friends may use, unrelated to your actual day-to-day job. You also get to play with lots of cool new apps and devices through internal beta programs. The best part, though, is you're surrounded by geniuses.

Cons: Microsoft attracts a large amount of very, very driven and focused people who work very hard. You will have to work very hard to meet the curve that is needed to see good bonuses and fast promotion. Working in a remote office for Microsoft can also be a downside. Redmond is the beating heart of Microsoft, and this can sometimes show through lesser facilities at remote offices. Politics, as with any large company, can slow progress on projects, which can be frustrating at times. Your ability to speak freely without bias around Microsoft products and services can also be a downside.