March 1, 2002
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Decisions...
Guess what?!? I got a job offer with Microsoft
But, I'm not sure if I want it. You ever been in a situation where you really really like someone? Or at least you think you do, and then when things kinda happen too fast, or you know you've got them, you suddenly don't like them anymore? You think you can get someone better and want to still play the field? And then you don't want to commit so you don't go out with them because, man if I quit, I would be such an asshole boyfriend.
Anyhow, I think I was excited by the fact it was Microsoft. One of my goals here is to eventually work for a Fortune 500 company here in SH, but after my level of Chinese is at a level where I'm comfortable with. There are still a lot of things that I cannot say right now.
The quick response of MS leads me to believe that more firms will be desperately seeking later as well, so maybe I will have more chances in the future... why rush? But then again, this could be a really good opportunity for me. The job itself isn't exactly exciting. MS is shifting their global support centre to SH. That means anyone that has a problem with anything MS related, sends MS an email, someone here in SH will respond.
As an intern in the communications department some of the duties include proofreading emails (boring), ensuring the Chinese here are giving an acceptable standard of customer service (boring) and helping train the Chinese engineers here improve their English skills and understanding of different cultures around the world (boring). Outside of that, since this department is new in MS, I am allowed free reign in starting projects on my own (more exciting). Opportunities for moving within the company are very good (for the right people) and the connection opportunities that I can make are phenomenal. On top of these pluses, having international work experience would be another really good thing on my resume. Additionally, Microsoft's name on my resume will also be impressive. The income I do make will help fund my recent cash problem (especially with all these visitors to SH!). I will have a lot of freedom to do what I like which is another bonus. And there will be a free T1+ Internet connection available for me. They will pay for my transportation to and from work, and give me a 15RMB stipend for lunch everyday (just 1RMB short of a McDonald's combo).
But a number of negative factors leer in the background. The pay is standard intern salary, which isn't that much (well more than enough for SH standards but definitely not enough for TO standards). I'd be working Mon-Fri 9-6 (I don't think I want to make that committment at this moment). I will have very little time for my ASES project (fack... that's another story). When family and friends come (Selina is a recent addition to future visitors to SH), I won't have time for them (although Marv, I did ask whether I could take time off during June and they were okay with it). And my Chinese, I am not at a good enough point in my studies yet.
So I have a lot of thinking to do, I will have to discuss with my parents and see if they agree with me on the pros and cons and what they think is a good move for me.
What do you think I should do?
Comments (12)
umm. i dunno, must be cool getting a job offer from ms, but imho i think most of us can do better than that.. but hey, if you wanna make your resume look top notch, then go for it!
I think it's a good opportunity... I would take it if I were you!
You don't have to sign a contract stating you'll work x amount of months right? If something better does come along, what's to stop you from applying for that job too? And if you get it, give MS your 6 weeks notice or whatnot and get on with your new job! 
And even if you're not getting paid a lot now, I'm sure there are lots of advancement opportunities in a corporation as big as MS! Hmmm... good luck with your decision... I'm sure you'll make the right one. Bottom line is just pick something you'll be happy with!
ooooh, i'm your 4000th hit!
...it seems to me you should wait...
i think you need time to plan that conference, and when your Chinese is better (at an acceptable working level) the pay for job offers should rise accordingly. You want something that is good by North American standards since there's lots multinational companies that pay well in China. Good luck!
i say, go with your gut instinct... but to me, the pros seem to outweigh the cons. and it's not like you have to stay there forever right?! GOOD LUCK!
In the end, you'll have to weigh the pros and cons for yourself. That's what I had to do when I took this last job. Granted, it's only contract work, and substantially less than what I was making at my last job...but I figured, since it's such a huge company, they aren't going anywhere soon...and I'd have ample opportunities to move around in that company. They have offices all over the world, multiple divisions, the name looks great on a resume...or, I could have gone to a slightly smaller company with not so many opportunities, a bit more money...
The decision is ultimately all yours...you have to decide what you need...good luck!
what about vacation days? that's a key point for me.
not much vacation days =(
Congratulations on the offer. The opportunity to start new ventures is great, but I guess you have to weigh your options, which sounds like you have. Good luck in which ever you decide!!! =)
You should go for it, it adds up on your resume. It's not the job you do, it's about what you learn from it. It is a good opportunity.
I completed a co-op placement with Microsoft Canada and speaking through personal experience, I absolutely loved it there. They pretty much treat their employees like gold - the pay was great (in comparison to other companies) and the perks were endless. Hands down out of the 3 work terms I completed, this one really cuts the cake. I'm not sure how the division in SH is, but with the MS name to back you up, you'd have a higher chance of applying for positions in the future with MS in the states or perhaps Canada (depending on where your interests lie). Unfortunely, the head count's pretty high in the MS the Canada office. BUt, I agree with other's comments here, you can definately move around within a company as big as this one. I say if you see an opportunity peaking elsewhere within the company, get your foot in the door. In fact, you may want to call up your employer and ask them about future opportunities directly and your chances of furthering your career in association with your goals. Best of luck in whatever you decide.
man, i can't spell...
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