Pros: I worked with lots of good people: competent, smart, and helpful. The benefits are decent, especially the 50% match on 401K contributions. Microsoft is a company of many "companies." While overall compensation and review processes are the same, each team is unique in its codebase, operations, available projects to work on, and most importantly, how well it is managed. Your direct manager is crucial for your success in your career, but so are also upper levels of management that set the tone in the organization.

Cons: The promotion process is opaque and lacks clarity on how decisions are achieved. Heavy process and red-tape can frustrate daily software development work, especially in large organizations within Microsoft (even if they use "Agile").

Pros: Although huge, the part of Microsoft you work at is run like a small business. You will know your entire team and management. The work is challenging and used by millions of people. Compensation, especially benefits, is top-notch.

Cons: Huge corporation, uncertain growth opportunities. Have to use Microsoft home-grown or acquired technology.

Pros: Most of the engineers are really good at what they do and fun to work with.

Cons: Management doesn't bother communicating directly with employees to ensure requirements are conveyed, understood, and fulfilled. Virtually no practical leadership.