shankar2k's Journal: The Path to Evil

In case you haven't yet heard, I'm returning to Beijing! This time it will be for a three-month internship with Microsoft Research Asia. Hooboy ... I never thought I would find myself working for Microsoft. I mean, I applied for an internship with them as an undergrad, but I didn't really consider it seriously because I knew I would probably have another offer from Hewlett-Packard (and I did). The only way they could get me to work for them is for it to be through their research labs *and* for them to throw a foreign country in my face. Microsoft Research Asia is quite different from its parent company. They are trying to be the dominant research park in Asia, and they publish more conference papers and journal articles than many of the world's top universities. My deal is pretty sweet. M$ is paying for my plane flight, an apartment in Beijing, meals while working, and a small stipend. Oh yeah, and I get my research stipend.

As you know, the last time I travelled to China was filled with adventure, the vast majority of it caused by Untied Airlines. I would have liked to go on some other airline, but I wasn't paying for the ticket myself, so I'm stuck with those hosers again. Fortunately, this time around, I have a confirmed seat on the plane. Besides, even if they delay my flight, I don't have a talk or anything that I am supposed to give.

So I'm busy getting ready for my trip, tying up loose ends, procuring passports and visas and all that good stuff. I don't think it'll really hit me until I'm in Beijing again. Woohoo!

congratulations

[dominator2010]

I applied to the Great Evil, and even got an interview. Then I got nervous and blew it. I would have had a better chance of impressing them if I had literally shot myself in the foot. That probably would have been the only way to have shown them how dedicated and serious I am. I'm still hoping that at some time I'll get another chance for more.

Originally I never thought I would apply with them, but then I saw some things that interested me and thought it wouldn't be so bad and might actually be a really

Re:

[shankar2k]

You know, one of my good friends used to work for M$, and he told me that the main thing that he was looking for was enthusiasm. So many people believe that others can see their flaws and so they don't try to shine. You probably felt you weren't up to the Great Evil's standards, and they read that in your nervousness. But thanks for your support.

Congratulations!

[dexterpexter]

/me is very jealous of your globe trotting adventures.

May good fortune await you, and may you take tons of pictures that you share with your slashdot buddies. :)

Re:

[shankar2k]

I am going to keep up a journal of sorts. I will be taking pictures, but /. doesn't allow posting of images, yes? So I'll have to find some other way to do it.