Pros: The compensation is good, bordering on great. The top performers in a group have the chance to make a large bonus (bordering on $20k) and also get a large stock bonus (an additional $20-40k, albeit vested over 5 years). The biggest drive for me is working on a product that millions of people are using around the world, and building technology from the ground up that many developers will leverage. Read: Visibility. Benefits are second to none. Microsoft honestly has the best health insurance of any company I've ever seen, as it's: * Free * Covers 100% of everything. Beyond that, there are a lot of great, smart people you have the opportunity to work with.

Cons: I've had the chance to work with two different groups at Microsoft, and comparing the two is like comparing two different companies. One was like working at IBM; the other was like working for a web startup. Before picking a position at Microsoft, make sure you get to meet the team, as not doing your homework can show you the bad side of a company that is struggling to find itself again. In that vein, a lot of people internally are dissatisfied with the direction the company is going compared to other companies such as Apple and Google.

Pros: Well-managed projects Smart people Work-life balance is better than some

Cons: The company is very mature. If you want to work on specific types or areas of software, you probably won't get there without putting in time.

Pros: Great benefits: Prime card, Pro club, soccer field, intern outings, events, and team lunches. Had an awesome summer. Lots of learning during development.

Cons: Not a great environment for fast growth. There are some ad-hoc policies which vary from different departments related to promotion, salary, and work.