New grad Need Advice: Leaving Microsoft < 6 months
New grad accepted an offer with Microsoft Core Services Engineering in Redmond. The role was different from how it was presented during the time I interviewed and when I talked to the manager. tl;dr I’m not happy with my current role, I’m not challenge enough, I want to learn and I want to be happy. I keep hearing CSE doesn’t have the best reputation so is not easy to transfer internally i.e. to a product team. Would it be a bad idea if I start looking for a new job outside of Microsoft (hopefully they don’t look down on me because I’m in CSE/MSIT and not like Azure etc.) Start grinding leetcode again.. How bad would it be if I leave only after a few months? Will future employers sees this as a red flag? I’m hoping that this is a 1 time thing and wherever I end up next I can stay for a decent amount of time so I don’t like a job hopper.
Why not kill it in your current role and then ask another team to transfer? Else, it won't look terrible if you leave, but it won't be anything positive either. You should first make sure that with your current skill set you're confident you can get the SWE role you want
It used to be you had to have manager approval if you wanted to interview with other teams prior to 18 months. Now they relaxed that rule. One time move within 6 months won't be a red flag so I wouldn't worry on that. You can either be miserable just to appear you don't jump too early or you can explore new options and explain that the job wasn't what you thought it would be and wanted something more challenging.
Thanks for your input. Ok so when I start sending out resume and employers see that I only been in MSFT for less than 6 months is not going to be that much of an issue especially if this is the only one? And does having MSFT with CSE as opposed to say Azure make any difference to employers/recruiters outside of Microsoft? Thanks!
Just say Microsoft on your Cv, don’t have to say where in Microsoft. No one outside knows or cares. Also, try changing teams internally too. To Azure if you are so keen, then that would let you stay at least a year and you won’t have to pay back your sign on bonus. It won’t look bad on your resume and you may even like it and stay longer. You have nothing to lose trying.
Have you told your manager you don’t feel challenged? I assume since that’s the case you must be killing it. If that’s true they’ll help you find more challenging work. If they cant/won’t then look both internally and externally.
No!!! If this person is looking for the door after less than six months in role, let them go. Integrity and persistence matter. And this person isn’t showing either
Dude it’s MSIT.
You should try both internal and external opportunities. Don’t worry about the short duration. There are too many opportunities in the industry that a lot of people do the same thing. Not a unique sitation at all as long as you clearly indicate your reason and that you are looking for a place for long term employment.
So you’re saying is more common than people think- leaving job only after a few months?
Don’t waste your time doing what you hate. That’s the worst you can you in your early career and baggage you will hate to carry 10 years from now. It’s ok you can Thank me for this advice 10 years from now.
Should be fine as long as it doesn't become a pattern - treat this as a lesson and screen jobs and teams so that your next job is somewhere you can stay at least 2 - 3 years.
Try to get an internal transfer. Since you are a new grad with minimum experience they will treat this as a full fledged interview anyways. I don’t think the fact that you ended up where you are would matter. They’ll be extra careful, but that’s about it. I know that’s wrong but that’s how it issue
Regardless of how bad a place is you could still manage to stay there for an Year. For now start exploring internal roles in Azure and bing. If you don't land up on something interesting start looking out after an Year. If you have spent one year in a team it doesn't look too bad bad you can justify saying you gave it a shot but things weren't improving.
Let’s not forget that CSE faces challenges that almost no other organization will face, which is a huge opportunity to learn. If this new grad can’t see that, then move on.
Like IT support challenges? Sounds like CSE is a good fit for you. @OP don't wait if you hate it
The longer you stay there the more it becomes part of your profile