Microsoft Corporation My Dream Employer - Essay Example

Microsoft Corporation my Dream Employer I dream of working at a place where I am respected and have opportunities for growth, my employer would recognize my uniqueness and allow me opportunities to nurture my talents and use them as I see fit. I would work on my own terms, choosing; what time to go to work, when to punch out, the kind of clothes I can wear and if I can bring my dog to work. This appears too ideal to be realistic, but not if one works for Microsoft, these and many more are not just dreams, they are parts of daily life, and for this reasons, my dream career would undoubtedly be achieved in Microsoft Corporations. There are a few companies in the world that offer a good working environment or autonomy and opportunities as Microsoft Corporation; apart from an attractive pay package they also offer an incredible array of perks to their staff such as free and complete medical cover and gym membership. This essay will discuss reasons as to why working for Microsoft Corporation would be a dream comes true for me. Founded in 1975, Microsoft is today one of the IT giants in the world producing a huge percentage of the software that is used by millions worldwide especially the windows operating system and gaming devices such as XBOX (Schneider). Microsoft gives its employees considerable personal autonomy, in both matters of work and the working environment, thus employees will order their own supplies, customize their office and workspace as they see fit and schedule trips and meetings. Even when upper management or other groups make decisions for someone, they still have to take into consideration; ones interests, skills and abilities. While working for Microsoft, I would have the option of showing up to work when I want, and I could hire a decorator to do my office in my style of choice. Without someone else making my schedule for me, I believe I would be highly productive, because of not working under pressure thus being intrinsically motivated. Some companies imagine that employee development and education are undesirable for them since it exposes them to other skills and opportunities, which might make them quit and join other companies in posterity. However, Microsoft takes a radically different approach to the subject of personal employee development, it does not only supply a diverse variety of learning opportunities, but employees are expected to take advantage of them. In fact, one is even guided and directed in their choice of specialization in mid-year career discussions with personnel managers. After such discussions, the firm helps the employees get the experience required through training, shadowing an experienced professional or assigning those projects that will help them gain skills and experience. Indeed, management is so supportive to staff training and development that many of the employees especially new entrants are often spoilt for choice, as at least twenty days a year are spent on staff training. Working in such an environment, I would benefit a great deal since I am not only a quick learner but constantly thirsty for new knowledge. Thus, having an employer who not only encourages but also facilitates the acquisition of new knowledge and skills would epitomize the closest to a perfect job I can get. Microsoft’s compensations and benefits package are not only above the average for the IT industry, but also for the country as a whole since the firm pays more than most of the employers in America. Indeed, this might explain why they do not fear their employees gaining new skills since they do not fear losing them, since there are only few firms that could pay them more remuneration benefits than Microsoft. They also allow their staff to purchase shares of Microsoft at discounted prices, the firm has a team of financial advisors who help the employees develop their financial portfolio by making objective and informed decisions (Lee). Microsoft also shows a great deal of concern for the health of its employees as well as eligible dependents; these include dental and optician care they offer on-site health screening and medical cover that encompasses a wide range of conditions including chronic ones (Bishop). The employees also have access to a twenty four hour health line and Microsoft is the first American firm to offer therapy for Autism; besides, gym membership is available for employees is highly subsidized to promote overall fitness. While working for Microsoft, one’s family is also entitled to a wide range of benefits they allow maternity leave as well as paid time off for new parents, should ones regular services for childcare break down, they will offer a temporary backup service so that the employee does not get disoriented. I believe every individual has an obligation to give back to society, and for that reason I would like to work for a firm that has a culture of giving to charity, for this, I need look no farther than Microsoft. They not only give as a firm but encourage and inspire their employees to do so as well, this encouragement is not in terms of words but practical gesture on the side of the firm. For example; when an employee’s donates any amount up to $12000 to an eligible charity, the firm matches the amount, alternatively, when an employee puts in time at an organization, the firm donates seventeen dollars per hour (Microsoft). Finally, working at Microsoft is a chance to make a real difference not just for myself or the company, but even the country or world at large; this is because Microsoft is one of the world’s most influential companies. As such, taking part in any project means one can earn or cost the firm millions of dollars, and in some cases, the world will be a better or worse place depending on the quality of products one puts out in the market. This gives people Microsoft staff a strong sense of purpose of responsibility and this is how I would like to spend my career, making decisions and products that will have the potential to improve many lives and have a positive impact on my employers and myself. Works Cited Bishop, Todd. “Health care: Microsoft ending 100% coverage for employees” . Business Journal. 2010. Web 5 Feb 2013. Schneider, Laura. “Company Profile - Microsoft Corporation” About.com. n.d. Web 5 Feb. 2013. < http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/companyprofiles/p/MSProfile.htm> Lee, Matt. “The major perks of working for Microsoft” Getting A Microsoft Job. . n.d. Web 5 Feb. 2013 Microsoft. “Careers: Perks and Benefits”. Microsoft. n.d.Web 5 Feb. 2013. Read More