Microsoft Contract TPM role—where did you go after?

Ria fFinancial / Product
iajz33

Ria fFinancial Product

iajz33
Jan 14 8 Comments

This post is for people who have taken a contract PM/TPM role at Microsoft

Did your 6month contract extend to 18mo? Did you find a FTE role on another team or the same team?

Or did you find a job elsewhere, where did you go if you did?

TC: 88k
YOE : 1

#microsoft #productmanagement #tech

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TOP 8 Comments
  • Microsoft / Product
    vwmfsoon

    Go to company page Microsoft Product

    vwmfsoon
    Microsoft doesn't own your contract. The vendor does. You would have to apply for a role - there aren't "conversions" per se.
    Jan 14 4
    • Ria fFinancial / Product
      iajz33

      Ria fFinancial Product

      iajz33
      OP
      That’s what I’ve heard as well. Would you say that it opens a lot of doors elsewhere—especially if it’s early in your product career?
      Jan 14
    • Microsoft / Product
      vwmfsoon

      Go to company page Microsoft Product

      vwmfsoon
      Yeah, I would say so. Just don't stay longer than a year or two in these roles overall.
      Jan 14
  • Hi. After spending an hour on this reply, most of it went into the trash.
    If you would like to discuss this topic further, feel free to reach out directly.
    You can buy me lunch - conveyor belt sushi place in Bellevue called Kura looks interesting - and you can pick my brain as long as the sushi keeps coming.

    —-

    TC:220k(ish)
    YOE:20+

    - PM/TPM roles - yes, several as vendor and FTE.

    - extended? Yes, then shifted to different vendor who could support longer term contract.

    - FTE transition? No, not this time. However, my first stint as an FTE was preceded by a vendor role.

    - jobs after role ended? Took time off and waited for the Microsoft timer to reset.

    Personal insight (.02) - Every experience is different. As a vendor, the experience you gain in role is a huge benefit, however, when applying for an FTE role, you face different challenges than someone walking in to an interview loop from off the street.

    If you are new to the vendor/Microsoft game, some of these challenges may be difficult to navigate, let alone identify. Some may apply more/less to you than others in different vendor roles.

    Personally, some of the challenges I experienced (partially) stemmed from an FTE colleague’s past experiences with other vendors. Others have been a result of my own action or personal traits (funny fact: I’ve been told twice by two separate FTE team manners that I have, “resting idiot face” 🤣). I’ve found these types of issues to be the easiest (and most enjoyable) to address.

    Other challenges are built into the Vendor/Microsoft experience. I won’t elaborate but if you want to learn more about these issues, a few searches on Blind will give you all the info you need.

    If your TC/YOE was not a typo and you really only have 1 YOE and you are making 88k (approx 40/hr.), I STRONGLY recommend that you avoid seeking out long term commitments at Microsoft right now.

    I imagine you either have some online PMP cert. or a college degree to get you in the door but neither really set you apart from your competition nor do they add value to a perspective Microsoft team.

    Please don’t take this as an insult and apologies up front if my assumptions do not apply.

    Microsoft is a weird beast and there really is no, “one Microsoft” (at least from a PM/TPM perspective). Each group/team/div/org/FTE has unique perspectives and established processes that, as an effective PM/TPM, you will need to navigate if you want to be effective.

    “Basic education” (referring to a degree or general certification) is an excellent start as it helps you identify and adhere to processes that matter to your group. It may also help you add value by identifying basic opportunities to improve the effectiveness of their program (this can be a double edged sword as “change” can be difficult if not navigated effectively).

    This is a great start. Next step should be to expand your perspective and capabilities through gaining diverse experiences by applying your training to a plethora of scenarios.

    Understanding how the processes and techniques you have learned apply to a wide-range of real world experiences will help you better understand the needs of your perspective team. It will also allow you to add unexpected value.

    If you are in the Seattle area at this particular time, you are exceptionally fortunate. Growth is HUGE right now and many more companies are looking to Vendors to augment/screen their workforce. Microsoft is no longer the only Vendor opportunity and having your 18 month contract cut short isn’t a financial “death sentence”. If you only stay on 6 months, it’s no big deal.

    Bounce around a bit. Get your TC up. Entering Microsoft as a FTE with a low initial compensation rate may limit the roles available or you could be brought in at a prohibitively low level (56-58) meaning growth inside Microsoft will be delayed or limited.

    Hopefully the perspective helps. Obviously, scenarios and values are different but maybe something here resonates with you. Either way, I wish you the best!!
    Jan 14 0
  • How did you get a contract role in the first place ? Was the job posted on Microsoft careers ?
    Jan 14 1