New Grad - Amazon or Microsoft + Negotation

Oct 5, 2021 34 Comments

Hello,
Looking for advice for my new grad offers.

Amazon (return)
Location: Seattle
Base: 120
Sign-on: 37.5 yr1 /23 yr2
RSU: 88k (5/15/40/40)
TC: 161 first / 155 after
Team: Devices (not-alexa)

Microsoft
Location: Atlanta
Base: 105
Sign-on: 25
RSU: 130 (25/25/25/25)
bonus: 0-20%
TC: 162 first / 137 after (without bonus), 173/148 (with 10% bonus out of max 20%)
Team: Azure core

Considering COL + MS 401k match, I think MS is probably a stronger offer. I know Azure has worse reputation in comparison to the rest of MS, but the people I talked to in the interview made it seem like a pretty decent WLB. Not too sure on learning potential or how interesting the work would be though. My team at Amazon seemed alright as well in terms of WLB, and I think it had good opportunities for learning and interesting work.

Is it worth negotiating with MS and if so, what should I ask for? Also, thoughts on MS vs Amazon for WLB + career progression? I'd like to learn a lot, but I am risk averse (don't want pip).

If anyone knows anything about the Azure core team in particular, I would definitely like to know more about them in general as well. Also, I would like to know if I should try to negotiate at all.

Thanks!

#software #engineering #swe

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TOP 34 Comments
  • Amazon
    stinkyanus

    Go to company page Amazon

    stinkyanus
    MS. Amazon PIP stress is real
    Oct 5, 2021 2
  • Amazon / Eng
    Noozama

    Go to company page Amazon Eng

    Noozama
    If there's another alternative, then Amazon isn't the answer.

    The whole learning thing is BS, I personally think. Every company will present you with unique learning opportunities.
    Oct 5, 2021 0
  • Microsoft easily. Higher new grad TC, much higher hiring bar for new grad (smarter coworkers), less toxicity, way better benefits

    (Interned at AWS and Azure)
    Oct 5, 2021 0
  • Microsoft
    honest๐Ÿฅœ

    Go to company page Microsoft

    honest๐Ÿฅœ
    Definitely Amazon.
    1. Amazon has less granular levels, which means you can climb up to senior faster.

    2. Better professional growth in Amazon since you work more. You are too young to rest and best with the rest of the WLBs(the weak, the lazy, and the bullshitters) at Microsoft.
    Oct 5, 2021 7
    • Amazon
      Wishsuck

      Go to company page Amazon

      Wishsuck
      Yes recruiters mentioned that they are always preying L5 Amazon
      For two reasons:
      A) they are good feeder for the open positions they have

      B) they are paid less as compared to their level so more likely to churn.
      Oct 5, 2021
    • Microsoft
      honest๐Ÿฅœ

      Go to company page Microsoft

      honest๐Ÿฅœ
      Your record at MS is invisible to the interviewers. What matters is your interview performance. Who will likely impress more? The wolves from Amazon or the sloths from Microsoft?
      Oct 5, 2021
  • Amazon
    Wishsuck

    Go to company page Amazon

    Wishsuck
    ^ right . Learning wise amazon but yea as a new grad pip stress is real. Microsoft for easy sailing at least in early career is important

    Microsoft tech stack is boring if you are not working with azure products

    C# ๐Ÿค’
    Oct 5, 2021 2
    • I would be working on Azure products though, so would MS tech stack still be boring? I honestly didn't ask enough about this during my interview.
      Oct 5, 2021
    • Amazon
      Wishsuck

      Go to company page Amazon

      Wishsuck
      The only thing is if you get pipped by any toxic manager then it will leave scar in your mind and resume too.

      You want supportive team especially you are starting your career.
      You canโ€™t afford a kick at least less than an year imo.
      Oct 5, 2021