Entries tagged 'working-at-msft'
Balancing work and kids: real advice for real life
The 'Softie in question: Anshu Khurana
Job title: Sr. Product Marketing Manager
There’s no instruction manual to manage modern family life. Combining parenthood and full-time work means a docket of conflicts and stresses, who-does-the-housework-questions… and joy. For Anshu Khurana, senior product marketing manager in Microsoft advertising, who has two children under the age of 4, the goal of being professional, accomplished, and nurturing is rich and meaningful. Consider this Microspotting post a little “Coffee Tawk” with a successful woman who is keeping all the balls in the air—while keeping it real.You have two small children and work full-time at Microsoft. What helps you juggle your job and your kids?
First, you are right that it really is a juggling act! For me, I take a moment to prioritize each day and determine what is critical for the week. Then my husband and I determine what we can do for ourselves and what can be outsourced. For instance, only I can be the mother of my kids, that’s non-negotiable. But someone else can help us with the cooking and cleaning. It’s human nature that we want to do everything ourselves, but clearly there is not enough time in the day. It helps for me to set limits and not feel guilty about it. An example is that I might say to myself, “This weekend, there will be absolutely no emails until Sunday night.” Or I will plan to pick up my kids and have family time with my husband at home for the next four hours, unwind and go to bed.
Have you learned any lessons from your children that serve you well at work?
Patience. With two kids under age 4, I am now a more patient person. With kids you have to stop, listen, and explain the tiniest of details. You can incorporate that quality into your personality, and it shows at work. Also, being a mom, I am more compassionate and empathetic. So if other folks around me are going through personal stuff and need space, I find that I am more sympathetic.A video tour of Microsoft's ultra-modern Oslo office
One of the many great things about working for Microsoft is the global presence of the company. Although headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA, Microsoft has offices all over the world.If you want to take your career in an international direction, use your language skills, live and work abroad - we have just about every oppotunity that you can imagine... and then a few more.
I recently had the chance to visit Microsoft Norway's ultra-modern office in Oslo. The office was beautiful, was easy to access with public transportation and everyone I met was as friendly as could be.
Check out my quick video tour of the office, which includes a couple of interviews with Microsoft Norway employees:
Even in the Cloud, a good manager is essential
‘Softie in question: Chandra PrasadJob title: Development Manager in the Distributed Application Server group in the Business Platform Division
Chandra on the forefront of the Cloud. He works on the AppFabric Foundation on Windows Server and Windows Azure. In simple terms, Chandra oversees the development of some of the most cutting-edge technology in the world. That said, he believes that even in the most advanced of work environments, there is great value in a reliable manager.
Chandra, how did a manager affect your success at Microsoft?
I joined Microsoft as an industry hire with 15+ years of industry experience. While this experience was was relevant, it was even more important that I contextualized this experience to Microsoft. The manager who hired me into Microsoft played a crucial role in helping me fit my past experience into my new position at Microsoft, providing me with the right set of opportunities to showcase my strengths and establish credibility on the team. He helped me to build connections and networks that served me well.Young Kim on hardware design and the amazing Arc Mouse
'Softie in question: Young KimJob title: Senior User Experience Designer, Microsoft Hardware Group
Check out the video below. Young discusses the innovative - and literally flexible - Arc Touch Mouse from concept and design through creation.
Randall Boseman: a Microsoft ambassador of technology and diversity
'Softie in question: Randall BosemanJob title: Principal Test Manager - SDET - Office.com
Randall, what is hot in Office right now? Can we expect more of Microsoft Office online and now with a mobile piece to the business?
Services. Nowadays it’s all about software + services. People work and switch between different devices (a pc at both home and the office, tablets, phone, browser) multiple times a day. We’ve got to allow them to be able to remain productive and have their work follow them seamlessly. I’d say, yes, there’s plenty coming in terms of innovation, platform integration and experience improvement - mobile will definitely be a part of that.You are a great technology and diversity ambassador with The National Society of Black Engineers and more. Can you share with us why you chose Microsoft, Office, and the SDET discipline?
When I was finishing up at school, if you wanted to do serious software, MS was the place. The number of products, customers and the potential… wow! I still think that is the case. Microsoft is an awesome company. There are brilliant people here with a lot of passion and focus.Summer in Seattle: Just another reason to move here
For many candidates who come to the Microsoft campus, it’s their first time visiting Seattle. When I ask them what they think about it so far, there are two first impressions that I always hear.The first thing I frequently hear is, "Everyone here is so nice." Seattleites give off a general vibe of being laid-back, good natured people. Everyone feels a connection to the community.
The second comment that I hear (and even more common) is, "It’s SO green here." While Seattle has a reputation for being a rainy city, it gives us lush, green landscapes that keep their vitality through the drier months of summer.
Combined, these things are what make the Pacific Northwest the ‘place to be’ in the summer. Add to that a constant steam of festivals, concerts, outdoor movies, local markets and street fairs, and you can see what summers in Seattle are truly special.
We Still Serve helps veterans transition into Microsoft
JobsBlog would like to wish everyone a happy Fourth of July weekend.
Let's take a moment to recognize that, for veterans of the US Armed Forces, the transition from military to civilian careers can be daunting.
Microsoft's We Still Serve community supports US Military Veterans and those still active in the National Guard and Reserve, in preparing for transition, or looking for their next corporate opportunities. Check out the recently relaunched site at westillserve.com
We have a group of volunteers that have a shared military experience who will be available to discuss what it’s like to work at Microsoft and to help veterans think through next steps toward applying for a job with us.
Who wants some cash back before it's too late?
July 30th is officially the last day for Bing Cashback. It has been a great ride. Shopping remains one of the most significant things we do online and getting cash back for shopping is always a nice bonus. The whole Cashback program has shown us the ease of use when it comes to Bing Shopping and all of the trustworthy and respected sites that are official merchants on Bing Shopping.
Rock out in the Microsoft candidate experience lobby
If you haven’t seen our candidate experience lobby in Building 111, you’re going to want to come check it out.We’ve had quite a few recent additions to our lounge including the newest games, Modern Warfare 2 controllers (for the serious gamer) and a sweet new Rockband set up - complete with ACDC “Back in the Black” drum sticks!
We’re also setting up some Zunes and (soon) Windows 7 Phones at the bar so candidates can explore the great variety of Microsoft devices while waiting for their interviews…
Our updated lobby creates the ultimate Microsoft experience for candidates while they’re here visiting us. It’s an awesome place to start the Microsoft journey, rock out, or just relax!
Who knows, soon you may be able to play Kinect in the lobby too.
-Kelly
Microsoft - how it all began
As they say: if you want to understand the present, you've gotta learn about the past. Check out this Channel 9 video about Microsoft in 1975 - the year it all began. It's pretty crazy to see how today's cutting-edge technology is built on the vision of a few plucky entrepreneurs who scratched out a combined grand total of just $16,005 their first year.