Company: Microsoft
Date: 2013-09-15
Overall rating: 4/5
Employment status: former
Experience level: Confirmed

Great opportunity to hone skills which I had to take elsewhere to earn more money
Pros: The company provides global opportunities for those looking to have broad experiences with colleagues across multiple cultures (and multiple time zones), and the opportunities to move laterally into other organizations to round out your professional skill set.
Cons: What they won't tell you when you are interviewing is how limiting their level structure can be if you hire in at a level that is lower than your full experience could command. When you go to make a lateral move, you will only be considered within your level band regardless of your capability and experience.  You can reasonably expect to be promoted to a higher level each 1-3 years if you are a strong performer but you cannot make a move to a new position in order to move up a level.