Taro Logo

A great company to acquire solid experience. However, entrepreneurs do not last long

Software Development Engineer II
Current Employee
Has worked at Microsoft for less than 1 year
December 18, 2008
Redmond, Washington
4.0
RecommendsNo CEO Opinion
Pros

There are a lot of smart people around; you can learn a ton from others. It is a great way to get solid experience, especially when you are right out of college. There is a diversity of jobs you can hold within different divisions that are very different from one another. There are really several companies within Microsoft. The culture and the type of work within Windows or Office, for example, is completely different from what you will find in the Xbox or the Windows Mobile division.

Another positive aspect is the job flexibility. If you like to sleep in the morning, it is okay to show up at noon if you would like, as long as you get your job done.

Cons

One of the key components missing is the startup feel, in which people take more risks and try new things more easily. People sometimes focus on looking good to management, improving their review, or over-focusing on the results for this fiscal year or quarter, rather than doing the right thing for the company for the long term.

Advice to Management

Empower the bottom of the pyramid more. Provide individual contributors with more flexibility to pursue their passions and more flexibility on job changes.

Was this helpful?

Microsoft Interview Experiences