Celebrating 10 years at Microsoft.
Today, this very day, 10 years ago, before the new millennium, I joined Microsoft as a full time employee. I can remember sitting in NEO (New Employee Orientation) on my first day listening to instructions on what forms to sign where and later experienced employees spoke about tips on how to be successful at Microsoft. I don't remember the specifics of what was said. I just remember being so excited to get started writing code. For real.
Ten years seems like a long time, especially in the computer industry. Microsoft recognizes the time with an award (displayed to the right) which is presented by your manager at a convenient team meeting sometime near the month of the anniversary. Honestly, I was a bit surprised when the incredibly heavy box was handed over. Had it already been 10 years?
Some people ask, “Did you ever imagine you’d spend 10 years at Microsoft?” Others are more critical, “How could you work at one company for 10 years?” To be honest, it doesn’t feel like 10 years at one company. Instead, it feels more like about 3.5 years at Microsoft Office then 2 years in Microsoft Windows Server then 2 years in Microsoft Windows Core then 2 years at Microsoft Store/Windows Marketplace and now a little over a half a year working on Microsoft Live Mesh. Sure all those groups start with the name “Microsoft” but each of them have a unique culture and purpose. It’s like working at 5 different companies without needing to migrate my 401K.
Nonetheless, it has been 10 years at Microsoft so it seems like some celebration is in order. To celebrate, I will be hosting 10 pounds of M&Ms outside my office door. Bringing one pound of M&Ms for each year of your anniversary is a tradition that I learned when I started in Office. As I moved across the company, I found that not all teams shared the tradition but I always observe the ritual. So, if your on Microsoft campus in the next couple days then swing by my office and grab a cup full of M&Ms. To recognize the decade, I’m mixing in a pound of Reese’s Pieces just for grins.
Trust me the sugar’ll help your coding… or something like that. <smile/>