Company: Microsoft
Date: 2013-08-20
Overall rating: 2/5
Employment status: current
Experience level: Junior

The once passionate and driven culture is gone..
Pros: Great benefits and work life balance if you work at it. You'll get to work with some super smart and inspiring people every day. You'll get great access to gadgets to show off. The customers are generally great to work with and you'll be challenged and empowered often.
Cons: Recognition is basically non existent if you're a head down bum up type of person. Its about who you know and how loud you can tout yourself rather than the work you do. The review process is unfair and punishes high performers just to satisfy the 'bell curve'. Middle management are all about their own careers and manage upwards. They'll also have no issues shifting the blame to team members to save themselves. Base salaries are low, especially if you're an ex graduate, but there is the potential to make up a decent salary with your bonuses (if you meet all of your targets and your boss likes you).  Being younger also doesn't do you any favours. Your career progression will be heavily based on your age rather than your proven capability. You'll also get less respect and remuneration in role compared to older peers, even if you are performing at a higher level.