Switch from a nuclear power major to a computer Major-Gao Hong

If you ask me why I joined Microsoft, I must be very frank. At first I was not planning to work on software, let alone Microsoft. When I was admitted to college, my father suggested that I select a Computer Major. I say that computer is a tool, not a discipline. Then I chose nuclear power as a major. When I was a graduate student, I bet with my roommate one day to see if I could finish the three most difficult courses (architecture, algorithm, and operating system) in my computer Major during the summer semester ). I naturally think that, to win this bet, the most difficult thing is to arrange the time, not to conflict with my own study and aerospace engineering courses. What never imagined was how to persuade a professor in the computer department, even if I didn't have any background in computer science, I could complete the course. One day, Dr. Newman announced that Microsoft would come to the school for an interview. Out of curiosity, I also handed in a resume. At that time, I was not expecting any response. However, I not only received a response, but also passed two rounds of campus interviews and one round of interviews with Microsoft. Every time I think about why I chose product support, I think it is very interesting. My boss John came to the school to interview me. I can't remember the questions he asked at the time, but in the end, his intuition tells me that there is a drama. John needs to evaluate me to determine my next round of interview positions (development, testing, Product Support, project management, etc ). Theoretically, John is interviewing Microsoft, not just for his group. However, after reading the following conversation, you can judge it by yourself. John: Microsoft has many positions, such as development, testing, Product Support, and project management. Which one do you like? Me: Of course it is development. John :( smile) Oh, why are you so sure? Me: I know how to write a program. Isn't that what developers should do? John: Good. But there are other positions? Me: I don't know what jobs need? The interview may fail. John: Don't worry. The most important thing is to choose your favorite one. For example, some people prefer to deal with customers directly, so developers do not have many opportunities to communicate with customers directly. Me: OK. (It's a bit confused. I think I prefer to deal with people) John: Do you like to work with others or yourself? Me: I think it's someone else. (I like chatting at home and making friends at school .) John: Have you heard that the product supports this position? Me: No. JOHN: This is a very good position for you to deal with customers directly. Me: do I like to work on multiple projects? Can this position be provided? John: Of course. It allows you to master the overall direction and user requirements of the entire product. Me: This is what I want. John: Great! Next, John checked the product support column. Later I found that John is my direct manager. That mark represents my start point at Microsoft. I have a great job in Microsoft's Product Support Department. This experience is irreplaceable to me. Why did I change from the Product Support Department to the product development department? Since the product support is so pleasant, why should I change jobs? It is also very interesting. Once, I visited a friend in Seattle and checked out Microsoft's headquarters campus. The headquarters is much larger than Microsoft's product support parks in North Carolina Lina. A couple invited me to dinner at the "old Sichuan" restaurant near Microsoft (Yan Chengyun's narration is my money !). Oh, this meal is delicious. I made a decision at that time and must move to Seattle. In this case, it is natural to switch to the Product Development Department of the headquarters. Speaking of my interview, I feel good about myself. But at last, I didn't get my position. Although my technical skills are good, my big manager thinks that I am not enthusiastic about the product itself (SQL replication. Forget it. The interview is bitter and tiring all day. In this case, I stayed in the sunny Charlotte and didn't have to endure the continuous rain in Seattle. (Sour grape psychology ). A phone call from the Personnel Department changed everything: "You have a good interview. Another SQL group (SQL Performance Optimization) determines you ." In this way, after two years of product support work, I moved to Seattle.

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