Microsoft Employee Reviews for Software Development Engineer

"I worked for Microsoft for about eight and a half years at a remote location in Hauppauge, NY on Long Island. Microsoft acquired a small local company named Sybari back in 2005 and that's how this location came to be. Saybari specialized in antivirus protection at the corporate level. Ultimately we wound up under the Exchange division building a management console for O365 and Exchange Online Protection. At one point we were about 100+ people strong, but through layoffs and attrition we were down to about 35 when the final blow was struck in July 2014. They shut us down as a part of the recent head count reduction. Working at Microsoft was a real crazy ride. Because I was working with an extraordinary group of people, I don't think I felt the pain as much as I would have if I was working with people I didn't enjoy being around. The work was tough and demanding. You were expected to drive whatever feature you were working on. Scheduling was terrible. Every time I worked on a new feature the first thing I was told was "you are behind". I would say, "how can I be behind, you just showed me this today." Also, the egos in the company were way too big for my liking. I did learn a lot about process and how software is built on a grand scale. That is something that I am glad I took away from the experience. Of course the benefits and pay were quite good. Also being 13 mins from my home was a huge personal plus. All in all, I am glad I worked for them. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As with any job, there was good and bad. Had they not closed the facility, I would still be there."

"Microsoft is a great company to work for. They have so many opportunities available. The company, though has a lot of pressures."

"I had an amazing ride at Microsoft from October 2008 until September 2014. I have only left the company because of lay-offs. Microsoft provides a great work atmosphere and access to some of the greatest technology on the planet. I worked on a lot of great teams from Microsoft Surface (when it was still a table) to Windows and finally Internet Explorer."

"I've worked for Microsoft since July 2006 and it is the first company that I've worked for. It was a dream come true to join a company like Microsoft and work with people with high caliber and passion about what they do. I had a really great experience working in Microsoft, and as part of it I have got chance to develop myself a lot. Work culture and ethics are great in Microsoft."

What do you like about working at Microsoft?

"My likes are: passionate and highly skilled employees, nice single office, and good medical coverage."

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

"Be honest, work hard, and enjoy relaxing time while you still can."

What don't you like about working at Microsoft?

"There is too much politics, and a slow promotion track. I am working as a PM, but my title isn't PM."

What suggestions do you have for management?

"Have less politics, keep good employees, and speed up promotion for excellent employees."

"Microsoft is a very nice place to work."

What do you like about working at Microsoft?

"There are lots of talented and smart people around. Most people are willing to help when needed."

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

"It is a great company to work for. Know your data structure and algorithm very well."

What don't you like about working at Microsoft?

"There are lots of politics and procedures to stop the innovations. The review model is not so good."

What suggestions do you have for management?

"Be transparent and hear the feedback. Spark creativity and make it clear about the direction of the company."

"Interesting but way too stressful."