Informational Interview

1. Date of Job Shadow or Informational Interview: 25-10-2023

2. Company Name: Microsoft

3. Name of Interviewee: Saif Ali Khan

4. Position/Profile: Software Engineer at Microsoft

5. Major responsibilities: Backend developer

6. How did you decide to go into this career?

According to me, Backend developers are consistently in high demand in the tech industry. It is the
backbone of any software application. It often involves complex problem-solving. Backend
developers can advance into roles such as software architects, DevOps engineers, or system
administrators is always evolving, which means backend developers have the opportunity to
continually learn and stay up-to-date with the latest tools and practices. And also, With the
increasing digitalization of businesses and services, backend development is a relatively stable career
choice.

7. What is your training or education?

I would say first focus on computer science fundamentals like Data Structures Algorithms, Oops,
Multithreading, Operating system, Database, make 1-2 good Projects Web development is good.

In my opinion , you can first focus on Data Structures Algorithms problem solving skills OOPSAfter
that you can make some projects on web development and for practice Leetcode is enough.

8. Does this occupation require a specific license, certification, or testing?

As of my last knowledge, the occupation of a software engineer at Microsoft, like many software
engineering positions in the tech industry, does not typically require a specific license or certification
to perform the core job functions. Typically require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such
as computer science or software engineering. While certifications are not mandatory, having relevant
certifications can enhance your qualifications and marketability. And Practical experience and skills is
required for software development.
9. How much of your day is spent working with people?

I am working in Microsoft Hyderabad and there you get one of the best work-life balance. Colleagues
are very friendly and you work is valued. Your growth rate will be very high because most of the
projects are development projects and you will often learn new skills and technologies while working
on challenging tasks.

10. How much of your day is spent working with things or data?

I can’t speak for everyone, but as a salary based full time employee (FTEs), there is no set of “hours” I
worked at Microsoft. Being single, and depends on the work load, I typically come in 40+ hours a
week plus some hours on weekend (may work from home or from office). Keep in mind that working
on weekend is mostly by choice, and occasionally by special situations (i.e. if there is a live site issue,
like a serious memory leak in some web apps serving millions of customers world wide, you have to
investigate and troubleshoot no matter what).

At Microsoft, it is not about how much time you put in at the office either. It is about how much
progress you make versus the goals you set out to achieve. It is all about you being on track or not.
And if you need help (we called it unblocking), you walk over to the next door to chat with your co-
workers, and then you make more progress as a team.

11. What do you like about your job?

Microsoft is a fun place to work for. I joined Microsoft as a shy and introverted person. I was that
person who’d rather spend 2 days figuring out stuff on my own rather than chin-up and ask someone
for help. And the best thing is nobody expects us to reply to emails over weekend or after 6 pm.
Work is very well planned out ahead of time and we always know what we are working on and what
to expect over the upcoming months. Sure, occasionally we might work late nights to ensure that
things are lit up for that big demo or presentation - but never to the point of exhaustion or feeling
burnt out. I have never carried my work laptop to any of my vacation destinations (including long
India trips).

12. What do you like least about your job?

I worked at Microsoft. Being single, and depends on the work load, I typically come in 40+ hours a
week plus some hours on weekend (may work from home or from office). Keep in mind that working
on weekend is mostly by choice, and occasionally by special situations (i.e. if there is a live site issue,
like a serious memory leak in some web apps serving millions of customers world wide, you have to
investigate and troubleshoot no matter what).

13. What advice do you have for me as I finish my graduation?

Be the kind of team member people enjoy being around. Any reasonably bright person can learn the
tech, but what people in the business world want the most is to work with people they enjoy being
with. So be positive, be supportive, and above all be reliable.
14. Do you mind if I contact you with future questions? YES NO If yes, phone
number:

Yes, Sure Khushi

15. Other Questions:

a.course recommendations?

You can follow JavaBrains, freecodecamp .org, telusko , I have watched their videos and it's really
great.

b. Do you suggest me how to apply and where to apply for good internships ?

Yes you can directly apply on company's career page. Some companies like Amazon Atlassian ,
Walmart , Phonepe hires intern through off campus as well.

Khushi Pachauri

CSIT-5B

Batch B1

2100290110077