Brian, how did you know that Microsoft was the place for you?
As an intern, you immediately get the opportunity to do real work on real projects. You get enough rope to hang yourself - even as an intern - and that enables you to get a true feel for working here. I learned that I crave meaty challenges and prefer a culture that allows me to do my best work. Microsoft affords both, in spades.

Tell us about what you've been doing.
I started at the company full time as the launch lead and, within a few months, the team I was leading was responsible for defining, planning, and executing on a massively important product launch for the company. It's humbling to think about the millions of people using our product; worldwide there are about 400 million users of Microsoft Office, so launching a new version will help improve people's lives by improving key tools that they use each day.

Does Microsoft allow you room for growth?
Yes, very much so. There is such a breadth of opportunities for future positions. There is no single 'one size fits all' approach for career development here. While the process is employee-driven, it's also aided by management support through formal and informal mentorship and guidance, information and resources, and connections with other teams.

What kind of activities have you enjoyed with your Microsoft team?
We do a lot of different things together in and outside of the office - executive lunches, socials, hiking, you name it - and I really enjoy the camaraderie. There's always something new in the works which keeps things exciting.

Thank you, Brian!