Vantaggi
People working for Microsoft would say they lilke Microsoft for Big brand, Job security, People network, Oversea travel and Learning global markets. When I worked for Microsoft I was proud of my business card with Microsoft brand. Many people hate Microsoft for its domanant position in the market, but they use Microsoft products and Microsoft is always on the list of top 10 desirable companies to work for. My co-workers specially femails really love Microsoft as they believe Microsoft gives them more value than other companies such as no descrimination between men and women. Salary is also pretty reasonable and bonus as well.
Svantaggi
I just want to call Microsoft is too big, too old and too errogant to continue its success. The biggest downide of working at Microsft versus other companies like Google, Facebook and promising start-ups is no future for MSFT stocks. It will never overcome $30 per share unless the industry gets crazy and the remaining Microsoft's competitors go belly-up. Other than stock, what we can learn from them. They already won in Software market and Ballmer just want to win in Games, Internet and Mobile where competitors are smarter and moving faster than the big guy Microsoft. For junior workers Microsoft is a great place to learn and experience before moving on to others but for senior wokers it is not a happy place as they keep being asked more revenue and new strategy.