Pros
- The name Microsoft rings a bell, even amongst the ultimate Microsoft haters. - You will work with some of the brightest minds in the world - Heavy on collaboration, but uses our technology to the fullest so remote work is easy - The culture is still hip and alive, and just simply a fun place to work - Wear whatever you want to work, everyone else does (unless you're in Public Sector and/or DC) - Always cutting edge technology on your personal equipment (although internal tools are lagging) - The benefits are the top of the top; you won't find better, even at Apple or Google - The work is demanding, so being challenged is not hard to come by - The software, partner, and prime card discounts (if in WA) are the best - Healthcare benefits are second to none, although changing in 2013 - Work/Life balance is pretty nice, depending on your area (Engineering, not so much)
Cons
- Finding internal opportunities are difficult as politics and networking are front seat versus talent - The salary can be so so and the performance reviews can be a downfall - Old school management = old school technology thought process = slow to market with leading edge tech - The reputation of Microsoft is being hammered daily, and Apple as now surpassed Microsoft in value, revenue, profit and perception - Most positions have the worst onboarding, so the sink or swim philosophy is alive and well - Middle management are high performers with volunteer people management duties; finding good managers are becoming more difficult - Microsoft doesn't reward you well for outside experience if you're not coming in at a high level (Lvl 64 and above)