Company: Microsoft
Date: 2014-03-18
Overall rating: 3/5
Employment status: former
Experience level: Senior

Many years of wonderful and terrible
Pros: Microsoft is a large and diverse company on the bleeding age of technology. Opportunities for learning, advancing in role, working in different types of business groups, and changing careers are abundant. Resources can be generous enough to support implementation of your big idea. A certain amount of risk-taking is encouraged. Salary and benefits are competitive.
Cons: Business groups are distinct subcultures, and not every subculture is right for everyone. Some groups thrive on teamwork; others a reward the most assertive individuals. You may find yourself in a role and organization that is a perfect fit one day, and then a management change or reorg can change everything overnight. Moving around the company you may find jobs you love and others you hate. Some managers will help you grow and support you in achieving your goals. Others will range from neutral to subversive. Choosing your manager well and knowing when to move on are critical skills for success.