Pros: The benefits package cannot be beat. If you are risk-averse but still talented, it's a perfect opportunity for you. If you have an iota of entrepreneurial spirit, go elsewhere.

Cons: Many, if not most people you work with and meet, have only ever worked at one company: MICROSOFT. They believe that the Microsoft way is the ONLY way. They don't care to hear alternatives. Your mileage varies depending on who you report to. If you're reporting to someone solid, you can have a great experience and be positive that Microsoft is a FANTASTIC place, be promoted every 18 months, and think anyone who speaks negatively about Microsoft is nuts. If you're working for a poor manager, you'll encounter cronyism, politics, promotions that have no correlation to merit, and difficulty figuring out where your future at the company is, if any. Be prepared to be assigned to projects that don't make a lot of sense, but are pets to high-ranking execs.

Pros: Great pay. Smart people. Wonderful benefits package. If you like code, this is a great place to be. The people here are very nice.

Cons: It just wasn't for me. If you are a young college grad, be warned: The people here are older, and ultimately, the stereotype is true – Microsoft is a bit corporate and stuffy. Also, the developer technology there wasn't that great. Other than Visual Studio, development tools are not that up to snuff.

Pros: Smart colleagues (in programming disciplines) Excellent benefits Great opportunities/support to change career path (from development to program management, for example) Technical learning opportunities Fast promotions if you perform and are lucky to be in a group that is "in fashion"

Cons: Grading on a curve. Slow promotions for an average developer. Too much red tape, politics, and micromanagement at times.