Pros: I get to work with intelligent and supportive teammates every day. Amazing facilities and a gorgeous landscaped HQ. Work/life balance is very good for most SWE Interns I know. Free drinks. They bring in good musicians to play over lunch at the main cafeteria. Performance feedback is not only focused on individual contribution but also on how well you work with others. I've been told this really improves the company culture, especially on the main campus. They make an honest effort to give interns projects that are interesting and within the scope of a summer. Top-notch health insurance, even for interns.

Cons: The culture of different teams can vary. (I have heard good and bad from other interns.) Microsoft always manages to stay in the news with the latest PR gaffe. (Honestly, more amusing than upsetting to most employees.)

Pros: - Good pay and perks for the area, job stability. - Not as many long nights as at a startup. - The company has a lot of resources.

Cons: - Boring! Other companies in the industry are doing much more interesting things. - It's a huge company; don't expect to feel much camaraderie with coworkers or be kept informed of (the few) interesting things going on in the organization. - Very top-down (compared to startups and other companies in the software industry).

Pros: As one of the world's largest software companies, you feel that what you are doing there is making a difference. The work is challenging and interesting, and the rest of the staff is made up of very bright people willing to help you. It also has a very fun and laid-back environment. The free drinks are awesome, though they may make you gain some weight if you abuse them.

Cons: Your success as an intern depends a lot on which product group you're on; some managers are much more demanding than others.