Working for Microsoft: Week 1

Initially I was planning to blog every day or so about my experiences within Microsoft, but alas, this has been the first free moment I've had so far after my last post.  The reason?  Well, as I mentioned in a previous post, the first three weeks of my new career are spent at something called "MSSU" (Microsoft Services University).  This is affectionately referred to as "Boot Camp" by those in the know.  The boot camp analogy is not far from the truth, I must say.  Having never gone through boot camp in the traditional sense of the term, having never been in the armed services, I referred to a military site and realized  that it has been pretty close to my experience, thus far - Minus the disparaging drill sergeant type atmosphere.

Basically, the intention is to get us up to speed on Microsoft, the products, tools, etc. as fast as possible.  Most days start with a 7am shuttle ride to one of the campuses and then you are in class until sometime after 5pm'ish.  So, here's a few things I've learned in my relatively short tenure:

1. Be Prepared to Eat Well - When I was in college, they had something they called the "Freshman 15".  Basically, in the first semester of college, you expect to gain about 15 pounds.  I think I am going to start the "Microsoft 15".  Every day, I am given 3 square meals.  Breakfast usually consists of eggs, bacon, etc.  Lunch is usually a trip to one of the many Cafeterias on campus.  You're usually on your own for dinner, but they have a lot restaurants within walking distance from the Apartments.  It has been years since I've consistently eaten 3 square meals.  I'm going to have to start hitting the gym while I'm here.
2. Be Prepared to Work - As I mentioned above - each day starts at 7am and goes late.  During that time, you will learn about the MS Products, the Tools available, the culture, etc.  Everyone pretty much uses OneNote to track all of the various information provided.  In the past, I would generally use a Text editor to take notes - but I have certainly started drinking the OneNote kool-aid.  It's a great tool and I wish I had had a license in my previous life.
3. Take the Time to Socialize - It's not often I have gone through a training regiment where everyone is really intelligent.  Most people are smart, no doubt about that, but at a class like this - everyone is scary smart.  Part of this boot camp is meant to allow you to build relationships with other people in your position.  Chances are, you will be communicating with these same people throughout your career.  It really behooves you to get to know them and build those relationships now.  Every night, the other PFE's and I have gone out for drinks and dinner and the conversations have ranged from Exchange to .NET to Active Directory to Windows Server to BizTalk to SQL Server.  Everything is fair game and you will learn a lot about a ton of products during these informal conversations.
4. Set up your Outlook Rules - As Scott Hanselman mentions here, one of the things that has amazed me so far are all of the e-mails that get sent around.  In my third day or so on the job, I opened up my inbox and had several HUNDRED e-mails there waiting for me.  Therefore, it was a necessity to starting setting up my Outlook rules and start the forwarding process into folders.  I'm sure as I get added to more and more lists, my rules list will get longer and longer.
5. Start Making Redmond/Seattle Connections - During my first day at NEO, I got a call from a .NET PFE based out of Redmond welcoming me to the team.  Since there are few other .NET PFE's starting, he offered to go out for drinks one night to pick his brain.  I highly highly highly recommend doing this.  I learned more about the position and what challenges I will be facing during that few hour session than I did throughout the several week hiring process.  The bottom-line is that the culture of MS is to help your peers and other employees.  Truly incredible.
6. Explore the Campus - Although, you may not be located in Redmond, that doesn't mean you shouldn't take a walk around the campus and pop into the offices.  As part of a team building event yesterday we had to walk around the campus.  It was truly a great experience and I got to see the homes of teams that I've long followed as an external admirer.  For example, just imagine sitting in Bill Gates' old office in Redmond.  You get a real sense of history in certain areas.  Very cool stuff.

Honestly, I think most of these things can be applied to anyone starting a new job, but it just may be more prevalent in a MS field based role.

Overall, I've really enjoyed myself.  So far, this has been an incredible experience and I can't wait for the next 2 weeks.

Enjoy!