How do I get job at Microsoft?

Application of knowledge to solve real life problems will definitely make you a hot cake for companies like Microsoft.

If you want to get a job at Microsoft then  you must exhibit a couple of working projects on Github to showcase your talent. Then, network with someone who can bring your project to the notice of someone from Microsoft.

Action speaks louder than words.

Follow your passion, chase your dreams and I am sure that if you have the right attitude, passion and dedication then sooner or later you will be working at Microsoft.

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Cultural Difference: Indians can ask Personal questions to their colleagues

Cultural Difference: Indians can ask personal questions to their colleagues without offending them.

When I was in college, a workshop was organized by my college for interpersonal skills and body language.

The Instructor  informed that people in developed countries don't ask personal questions to their colleagues. I though what's the big deal in it. Many people don't prefer that in India as well.

But, I was shocked when he gave examples of personal questions. I am posting some of the questions that he categorized as personal questions (as per those from developed nations):

1. Are you married?
2. When you are planning to marry?
3. How many kids you have?
4. What you are doing on the weekend?

I am sure  that these questions don't come under our definition of personal questions.

So, Indians can ask personal questions to their colleagues without offending them.

Our Instructor told that he worked with an European colleague for 7 years. Although, they had great professional bonding but they never spoke about their personal lives. 

It is hard to believe and impossible to digest as my colleagues are pretty comfortable and casual about asking about wedding plans of others. Even, seniors don't shy away from asking when I am planning to marry. One colleague even asked if I can show him the photos of girls who would have approached me.  

I hope every bachelor (boy/girl) working in India can relate to this scenario.

In the elevator, I used to exchange smile with a mid aged-man, the day we talked, 
He- You look like a bachelor.
Me- Yes
He- When are you planning to get married?
Me- Smiles (It happens only in India)

---

Update- Hey, today I have intentionally shot some personal questions to a colleague to see his response. 
Background- A colleague turned 29 today. 
Me- Hey, you turned 30 today, so how does it feel to turn 30 and be a bachelor.
He- (Protested) I am not 30, just turned 29. 
Me- So, one more year to turn 30.
He- Yes, within 1 year I have to marry. [Intelligent guy :)]
Me- It's not easy man, it takes hell lot of time.
He- Hope you have not observed that I have taken frequent leaves.
Me- So what?
He- Dude, I am taking leaves to attend meetings with prospective girls.
Me- How is the experience?
He- Don't ask me. Family of one girl turned down our proposal as we don't have land in our native place.
Me- Oh! it is strange man. A 7 figure salary and a Flat in Mumbai couldn't help you.
He- Just stop pulling my leg
(I was laughing and keep pulling his leg for some more time and he was pretty OK with it. He again made me believe that Indians can ask personal questions to their colleagues without offending them.

Also see: What do people in India do very easily which can't be done by people of other nations?

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What will Robert Frost do differently if he is made the Head of NASA?

I think Robert Frost is the ideal candidate to answer this question. But, as this question presents an opportunity to me to express my wish list hence, I dare to answer this question.

If Robert Frost become Head of NASA

1. I wish he will do something to predict earthquakes. I know  seismic experts are there to deal with it. Natural Disaster like Earthquakes claims many lives as no one can predict when they will occur. I hope, NASA can make it possible to predict Earthquakes through some satellite imagery or other advanced technologies, which are yet to be invented.
2. Space Tourism- I hope he will start an annual program of space Tourism and could shortlist candidates for the same irrespective of nationality. This will increase the fascination for NASA  among the masses.
3. Virtual Museum- I hope that he will start a virtual museum which will showcase the various interesting things from the numerous missions of NASA. A virtual museum can be very popular and will create awareness about the space programs.
4. Zero Tolerance for Accidents-  NASA has very sophisticated safety standards, but still, we have lost few astronauts in the space missions. I am from India and can definitely relate to the death of kalpana Chawla. Hope, in the future, no casualty will occur in any of the missions of NASA.
5. I hope him to introduce pollution free fuels for spacecrafts and this will result in less harm to our environment due to the  space programs. Some new fuels have to be discovered for this purpose.
6. Working cohesively with ISRO: I know that relation of US and India are on peak . I hope NASA and ISRO ( Indian Space Research Organisation) will work more cohesively to create path breaking success.

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Is Rs 150 for a cup of Coffee in CCD is worth the price?

The cost is justified if we consider that CCDs are often used as 

• A hangout Point by youth
• A mobile office by startup
• A place to read, surf internet and enjoy coffee
• A decent place to meet  prospective spouse.

I have read many answers here and they have covered most of the things,I would love to add one example:

Once founder of Mc Donald's was talking to a group of people and he asked how many of them believed that they can make better hamburgers that Mc Donald's. 

Almost more than half raised their hand.

Then the Founder explained why they are a market leader in food chain restaurants across the world.

He told that we don't make the best hamburger. We are more into real estate. We give minute attention to the location of the store and the research whether a particular store or franchise will do well or not.

 We think that Mc Donald's sell Burgers but they are themselves telling that they focus more on the real estate. So, there is a rare possibility of a Mc Donald's store that is less popular. They prefer corner store and in prime locations only.

So, is the case with CCDs

PS- Long time ago, I read about this story of Mc D in the book " Rich Dad Poor Dad"

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The Biggest Mistake of my Life

This biggest mistake of my life is that I never tried to meet you. I have longed to see you in flesh. For me, you were immortal. I was wrong but not completely.

You have left your wisdom for us in the form of your books, lectures, speeches, quotes, stories. You have touched millions lives. Many must have got the opportunity to meet you.

I invite everyone who has something worthwhile to share about Dr. Kalam.

The world need his legacy to continue forever.

Keep sharing your feeling, any particular story, experience related with Dr. Kalam so that all his followers can be benefited from the experience.

Let us together strive to make Library of Kalam a wonderful treasure for all of us.

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How to figure out what I want to do with my life after college?

Here is my take to answer this question

1. Accept- Please know that you are not alone and many others are going through the same dilemma.
2. Identify- Identify your passion. If you find your passion and you are at a job that feed your soul then you will enjoy your life.
3. How to find Passion?- First try to know your likes and dislikes, your hobbies, interests, etc.
4. How to know answer to Point 3? - Start a Journal and write about your feelings, what make you happy, sad, alive, etc. After observing your thoughts and your journal for 2-3 weeks, you can start learning more about you.
5. Love what you do till you start doing what you would truly love.
6. Now, how to find what you love doing? For this, you need to explore doing various things so that you can get an idea what makes you happy.  I have my list of things that makes me happy, you can see and make one customized list for yourself. 19 Things that make me happy
7. Always try to attain Flow
8. Be in good company: Learn from others and read to others who have something good to share. Learn Lessons from Ira Singhal: The UPSC Topper in 2015
9. Shoot your specific queries to me at Career Advice & Guidance and I would respond to them as soon as possible.

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How Balaji Viswanathan has a an awesome Memory?

Originally published on Quora by me on 06th Aug 15

Let me tell you something from my experience as a two month old baby on Quora.

He is able to sustain  such a wonderful memory because:

1. He is an Entrepreneur- He has passion for reading, learning and exploring different things. When you learn from your experiences then those memories are permanent.
2. He Practice a lot- He is a voracious reader and in one of the answers has advised how we should carry a book with us always and in this way we can read hundreds of books in a year. So, by regularly feeding his mind good stuff and by  practice he has developed a good memory.
3. He knows that it is the nectar that matters. I am sure he must also agree that he could further improve his memory. What sets him apart is that he chew 100 times more information and knowledge than many like me and has a good digestive system. So, a better memory.
4. He is ex- developer of Microsoft- He must be technically sound to get a job at Microsoft. Also, it reflects that he had developed a habit of working hard and smart over the years. Memory is also a kind of Intelligence and if you are working in data driven fields then good memory is a must. He developed his memory through his hard work.
5. He is a Family man- The best thing about him is the desire to learn new things. One day I was curious to know what are the questions that Mr. Balaji has asked on Quora. His last questions are about  what new parents should do in US and best parenting advice on Quora. It shows that he is humble and keen to learn new things.
6. He has curiosity of  a child. This is the secret of  good memory.
7. He is not restricted to just the elite users: He will upvote your answers if he likes them even if you are a novice. He is open to learning from everyone.
8. He is systematic and organized-  I was reading how he is trying to make his better answers accessible, topic wise. This shows his passion and  system driven approach. He is sincere about what he do and thus a  better memory.
9. He don't do different things, he do things differently. Everyone can relate to him and that is why so many people follow him. He is popular among elite and commoners alike.
10. He indulges in healthy conversations. Once he explained me about the difference between Naya Paisa, Anna and Pie ( How many of you know the difference?), If you explain something to someone then your memory and knowledge improves.
11. He knows that with great fan following comes great responsibility. Getting on top is easy but staying at top is the real challenge. When people start admiring you and consider you as their mentor then you push your limits. He need a good memory to remember at least a few of among his lakhs of followers.

  

547 views • 14 upvotes • Written Thu

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