Adios PFE, Hello Architect!

Nine years ago, I landed a position within Microsoft as a Premier Field Engineer (PFE). My responsibilities included troubleshooting, delivering workshops, recommended practices and guidance to Fortune 500 customers around building solutions to help fill their business gaps. It was an absolute blast! I remember how nervous I was working for this well known, famous company wondering if I really had what it takes. I met the most brilliant people, people whom actually created the products or supported the products, that I had worked with for so many years. I absolutely suffered from imposter syndrome up until recently. I always felt that because there was a shortage of talent during my hire that the bar was lowered, which was how I got in. I always wanted to validate that I could hang with these brilliant minds so I figured I would do my best and one day get another position within.

That happened this week!

I accepted a position as a Technical Partner Architect in which I will be working to empower our global partners to help our largest customers. Never let imposter syndrome weigh you down. Take it, allow it to keep you on your toes and work smarter, not harder, so that when you see your competition, you’re seeing them in your rear view mirror.

It takes time, its counter intuitive to relax and work smarter, but it is worth it. Working longer and harder is not sustainable, you’ll burn out. And the only reason why I was able to succeed was because of the self-less attitude of my peers who genuinely wanted me to succeed and would help me to learn as well as bail me out of jams when I needed them most.

I will miss the PFE community but I will always be a part of it. Here is a going away video of some of my GREATEST HITS as a PFE!