This post originated from an RSS feed registered with .NET Buzz by Brad Wilson. Original Post: Everyone Else Is Doing It, So Why Not Me? Feed Title: The .NET Guy Feed URL: /error.aspx?aspxerrorpath=/dotnetguy/Rss.aspx Feed Description: A personal blog about technology in general, .NET in specific, and when all else fails, the real world. Latest .NET Buzz Posts Latest .NET Buzz Posts by Brad Wilson Latest Posts From The .NET Guy

(Title stolen ruthlessly from Peter and Bob.)

I am going to Microsoft.

When Peter left for the PAG group at Microsoft, I confidentially told him that he had to let me know when the next opening came around. I had to leave the startup I'd been working at for 2 years right around that time. I took a contract with NewsGator, and set about to start finding something that was in line with my career goals. I talked to a few places about getting into corporate developer training. However, PAG was the ideal job for me, so I was over-joyed when Peter told me they would be hiring an SDE.

I visited Redmond on February 4th, and had one of the most interesting and challenging interviews of my life. Here are some random thoughts about the day:

Everybody was exceptionally smart and friendly. I knew within minutes of meeting every person that I'd be happy to work with them. I was pleasantly surprised by having Michael Kropp (the GM) on my interview schedule, and probably enjoyed his interview the most. It was the end of the day, and we talked about things that were decidedly non-technical. It was a good mental shift, and we had good rapport. Knowing that the GM is closely involved with the team is a big bonus.

The interview for this team is pretty tough. The 45 minute rapid-fire Q&A with David Trowbridge was some of the most intense questioning I've ever been through.

I can occasionally see my musical influence when Peter and Scott post. Just before he left for Microsoft, I introduced Peter to a bunch of bands he'd never heard of, and he apparently liked them enough to share them with Scott. However, it was a little surreal to hear some of that music playing when I walked into Scott's office.

There were no puzzle questions. There was almost no coding question, but I'm ashamed to say that I think I prodded one of my interviewers into giving me one, just so I could say I had one. :)

It was gods-honest spring in Seattle on February 4th. The flowers and plants were already in full bloom. Coming from the semi-desert climate of Denver, I'd almost forgotten what flowers smelled like!

When you go to a Redhook brewery, they have Blackhook on tap, nitro-style. Maybe it was the circumstances, but I think it tastes better than Guinness!

I'm a little sad to be leaving Denver. I've only been here 6 years, but I've collected a group of friends that can't be replaced. Even though NewsGator isn't happy to see me go, they were understanding that this was an opportunity that I couldn't pass up.

Greg will definitely miss having me beat him at poker. Did I mention they have casinos with poker rooms in Seattle, Greg? :)

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