Author: Karen K. Ngo

  • Microsoft Aspire: What You Should Know Before Applying

    Microsoft Aspire: What You Should Know Before Applying

    Hello! If you’re a student or new grad who is interested in joining Microsoft one day, you’re in the right place. I joined as an Aspire (new grad) back in 2020 and am a huge fan of the program and experience. Today, I am sharing all the details that you…

  • Making the Move:  Traditional Finance to Marketing Data Science

    Making the Move: Traditional Finance to Marketing Data Science

    The Making the Move series strives to inspire those who come from unique backgrounds and want to break into the world of tech. Here’s a secret… You don’t need to be a computer science major! Today, I am sharing the career journey of Owen Ho, Sr. Business Planning Manager at Microsoft where he…

  • Microsoft invested in me before I even joined the company. This is my crazy story about fate and opportunity.

    Microsoft invested in me before I even joined the company. This is my crazy story about fate and opportunity.

    Over the past couple of years, I have been sharing a lot about my time and experiences working at one of the biggest companies in the world. However, I realized that I haven’t shared how I actually got to Microsoft in the first place! Reflecting back on how it all…

  • 4 Month Life Update: I Feel Like An Imposter

    4 Month Life Update: I Feel Like An Imposter

    It’s crazy to acknowledge that it’s already been 4 months since I’ve moved across the border to America. So much has happened in so little time—from struggling to get my social security number (SSN) to finding a new car and apartment with my partner who also just started his new…

  • Remarkable 2 Review: Is it Worth It?

    Remarkable 2 Review: Is it Worth It?

    Earlier this year, I was deciding between a Remarkable 2 tablet or an iPad to replace my traditional notepad. Although the Remarkable’s price point ($547 USD) was high for a device that could not do nearly as much as an iPad, I still decided to try it out. This decision…

  • First Impressions: Healthcare & Benefits in America

    First Impressions: Healthcare & Benefits in America

    As a born and raised Canadian, I have been blessed with the universal health care system. This meant that I could visit the doctor’s office freely whenever I had any questions or concerns about my health—no matter how small. And at Microsoft Canada, I had an incredible benefits plan that…

  • 5 Ways to Advance Your School & Career This Summer

    5 Ways to Advance Your School & Career This Summer

    Today, I just realized that I’ve never had a summer “off” ever since I was 14! Throughout my teenage and young adult years, I was either volunteering, working, taking summer classes, or all of the above. Looking back, these experiences taught me a lot about myself, developed my skills, and…

  • 3 Month Life Update: I Don’t Get Personal Finance in America

    3 Month Life Update: I Don’t Get Personal Finance in America

    Just when I thought I was getting into the groove of things, I started learning about personal finances and taxes in the U.S. 🤯 Back in November, I reached my goals of paying off all my student loans, attaining a $100K net worth, and buying my first home. As an…

  • First Impressions: Pleasant Surprises & Myths Busted of Seattle Living

    First Impressions: Pleasant Surprises & Myths Busted of Seattle Living

    In my previous post, First Impressions: The 6 Biggest Shockers Of Seattle Living, I shared a more critical perspective on Seattle living. Following up a couple months later, here are some pleasant surprises that I’ve discovered. It doesn’t really rain that much ☔️ Before coming to Seattle, I was expecting…

  • Making the Move: Massage Therapy, Military, and Microsoft

    Making the Move: Massage Therapy, Military, and Microsoft

    The Making the Move series strives to inspire those who come from unique backgrounds and want to break into the world of tech. Here’s a secret… You don’t need to be a computer science major! Today, I am excited to share the journey of Tonya Derieg, who is currently an…