Microsoft

Among the best reasons to work at Microsoft are the people you get to work with. By surrounding yourself with highly talented, passionate, and very smart people, you'll find you learn a large amount about making great software. I truly appreciate the work ethic and care many of my co-workers put into our products. We really strive to make the best software we can.

Other reasons it is a great place to work include the beautiful Seattle area, amazing health benefits, and the numerous opportunities to get involved with others who share common interests.

Personally, I'd like to try out a smaller company at some point in my life. While Microsoft is very large and has many opportunities to choose from in almost any technical area, I'd like to try out the small business scene. The base pay is greater than the average software development job within the US, but by no means is it near the top. I do believe, however, that the bonus, awards, work/life balance, and health benefits do outweigh the lower wage.

I believe we've done a lot to reorganize to set a stronger focus in many areas. I believe every established company needs to continue to reinvent itself to stay on the edge of software.

My advice to Senior Management would be to:

• Continue to drive focus down to the lowest levels.
• Continue to research and try new things.
• Continue to grow talented employees from within.