Google TSE vs MS SDE

Google
wextel

Go to company page Google

wextel
Jan 28 19 Comments

I’m a TSE currently and really don’t like it, took the job because I had to make a quick decision at the time. I’ve been doing it for a year now and hate it, the job sucks the soul out of me and makes me miss programming. I do next to 0 coding day to day and most of my work is scripting or support calls/emails. The role itself is respected with a progression path but really doesn’t feel like what I want to do long term. Also got placed at the bare minimum level of the role and no chance for promo in the coming cycle. Maybe the cycle after that though.

Recently got an offer from MS for SDE II. TC is 12% higher (yes prev TC was that bad) and team looks interesting enough. I’m just unsure if it would be the right choice to jump ship now or if it’s better to stick to Google till I can eventually ladder transfer.

Blind helped me get the offer so hoping you kind folks can help me make the better decision.

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TOP 19 Comments
  • As an SDE II apart from delivering code you'll have to resolve escalated support requests from customers or get on call with a customer if necessary. Some MSFT people feel like SDE at Microsoft is just another SE job 😅
    Jan 28 7
  • Funny enough, I’m a TSE at Microsoft trying to get an SDE role at Google or Microsoft😂
    Jan 28 0
  • New / IT
    faddlobc

    New IT

    faddlobc
    if you love coding and programming then MS SDE is good.
    TSE is just a support level job facing shitty customer's with same shitty queries.
    Jan 28 0
  • I DID THIS! Same situation as yours, I made a change, I feel soo good!

    P.S: ladder transfer process will show you how much importance you are given because you are on O ladder and will make you hate this role more. Just a personal opinion!
    Jan 28 4
    • But anyway, i strongly suggest to gtf out of G and then may be come back later.
      Jan 28
    • Google
      wextel

      Go to company page Google

      wextel
      OP
      Yeah I’m still not 100% sure yet, I was a TSE on GCP but moved elsewhere in cloud because they’re moving HC to India. Since my role and title technically changed I’m on a new role now. Will likely get out of G now, thanks for the advice!
      Jan 28
  • TSE as in Technical Support Engineer or Technical Solutions Engineer or are they practically the same? Would love to know how’d you study and prep’d. Hoping I can get to be in your shoes in a few years.
    Jan 28 1
    • Google
      wextel

      Go to company page Google

      wextel
      OP
      My role is Solutions Engineer but in cloud the two are practically the same. They even hire some people with Support engineer titles and they do the exact same thing we do (despite how much higher ups might claim otherwise). In terms of prep, I’d say focus on troubleshooting practice and especially web tech troubleshooting. I also got asked a code reading question that required me to write a small function but tbh it was really easy and I’ve even heard they’re not asking that anymore. As for how I prepd for MS SDE, it’s the good old leetcode grind.
      Jan 29