On our third day here in Dublin, we took the Luas tram out to Microsoft’s European headquarters. It ended up being a beautiful day for lots of walking and exploring. Before we arrived for the site visit, I reflected on my existing knowledge of the company. I already knew that it is a large U.S. company that has expanded across the globe, Bill Gates is the founder, and that they are known for their software and innovation. During the visit, I discovered how little I actually knew about Microsoft, its products, its initiatives, and its impact on others. For instance, we learned about Microsoft’s shift in company culture to a growth mindset in order to become more competitive in the tech industry. This recent culture shift has led to more accessibility, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability initiatives throughout the company.

Through their sustainability initiatives, Microsoft positively impacts the environment in Ireland and beyond by actively working towards becoming zero waste, water positive, and carbon negative in the next few decades. Additionally, Microsoft’s diversity and inclusion initiatives and programs are integral to many facets of the company; they include things like more accessible Xbox controllers to those with limited mobility and more fair and accessible hiring practices to accommodate those with mental and developmental disabilities. After the visit to Microsoft, I would be more inclined to work for the company due to their positive culture shift as well as all the good they do for their customers and the environment. As we look ahead to tomorrow for our tour of the Docklands, the tech hub of Dublin, I am interested in finding out from our guide Dr. Kelley, “What initiatives have tech companies, other than Microsoft, pledged to help Ireland’s population such as food insecurity, homelessness, and environmental issues?”