Microsoft

"Don't idolize the job position you are in if you just came out of college. There are bad bosses and bad roles, and sometimes you can fall into one of those bad roles as part of holes in the on boarding. Just network and use connections to get yourself to where you feel you fit in."

"I wish I would have known that my starting salary and level would be an issue throughout my entire career at Microsoft. Don't under estimate the importance of negotiating a good salary, title, level from the start. The work life balance lines are very blurred, but there is ample flexibility to make up of it most of the time, but you have to take it no one is going to offer it to you. Plus, a good mentor right away will help navigate the politics because this place feels massive from the inside."

"Be optimistic"

"Just be yourself and be confident in who that person is... and be in charge of your own career. Don't assume that your manager is there to grow you to the next level or position, etc... it is up to you to determine what learnings you need, what job you think is the best fit next... The manager is just there to help guide you on your quest."

"It's hard to sort out how to advance your career or level (compensation), even as a top performer."