It all started in the middle of February 2008.  I got a call from an agent that Microsoft Ireland had an opening for a software developer for a 4 month contract.  So I submitted my cv and got an interview.

The interview process was quite tough.  I had an hour face to face chat with the interviewer and then a technical test on the whiteboard.  Everything went well and 3 days later I got a call that I was to start the following Monday.  Obviously I was really excited and thrilled by the opportunity that stood before me.

I started working with Microsoft on a prototype for a localization website for the live.spaces.com suite of products.  The localizers could visually see what their translations looked like from the website.  Once this prototype was accepted, I started working on the real product itself, and created the new database design and also a migration script to move all the data in the new database.  My contract was extended 2 times, and I spent 10 months in all at Microsoft.

It was also a very critical project, so an agile methodology was applied.  Releases were between 4-5 weeks and very tight deadlines.

It was also interesting that I could use all the latest software from Microsoft, even before they were released to the public.  Microsoft also offers its employees a nurturing environment where they can be most productive.

Another interesting thing that I noticed at Microsoft is that you have personal freedom at work.  Nobody tells you what to wear, or what time you got in or you got out.  As long as the work is done, and deadlines are met, no questions asked.  I think Microsoft provides a great example to other corporations of what a productive work environment can be like.

I was also impressed by the amount of highly skilled people working there.  Chatting with technical people is like referencing a human encyclopedia.  My manager once told me that we only employ “exceptional people” and he was damn right!

So I must say that working with one of the “Best Companies To Work For” in Ireland, was an amazing experience, and something that I really wish I could experience once again in my career.

Thanks MICROSOFT!