Company: Microsoft
Date: 2015-01-20
Overall rating: 4/5
Employment status: former
Experience level: Senior

A great place to learn for life
Pros: I don't think there is anyplace I could have worked and learned so much and felt like I made such a big impact to the world of technology.  I grew at Microsoft in so many ways.  

 - It is a wonderful place to become immersed in multiple game changing technologies.
 - Few places offer such a rich and diverse workforce allowing you to learn how to work with people better.  Something that is more valuable and will last longer than any technology. 
 - Microsoft allows you to take training, stay on top of new trends and grow you strengths.
 - There is always someone who can help.  There is a vast wealth of material on hand for research to get you started on new projects quicker, pointed in the right direction, or help you out of a jam.
 - Good corporate values
Cons: - If you are in a group that is in a cost center, and particularly if costs are being cut, then the only way you can grow is often for someone else to shrink.  This has incented poor behavior in some places.  
 - There is no end to work, that is making your project and yourself better.  Balance that with your management. You need to balance work/life or it can get out of control.  
- it is not a meritocracy, you will need to network and sponsors to protect and promote your career just as much as doing good work.  
- rewards are very tied to making your direct management chain better.  If you helped another team outside your direct managements unbrella do well, you often are not rewarded for that.