Our second day was the first site visit we had since we arrived to Ireland. It was very interesting to see where some of the big tech companies were located. Getting there may have been a hassle, however, it was a beautiful day and the walking was worth it! We visited Microsoft, one of the largest technological corporations that produces computer software, electronics, and other related services. My first impression of Microsoft before we visited was very minimal. I knew they were a tech company first created by Bill Gates and I thought they mostly made consumer products such as computers and video game consoles. However, my impression totally changed as soon as we walked through the doors. One of speakers touched on a little bit about the history of the company and how that has changed via there direct changes the made. Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, had said that they needed to “rediscover our soul” in order to make the proper changes. With that being said, they used the idea of the growth mindset when it meant to begin the proper changes to their dynamic within the company. Furthermore, with this mindset they emphasized that employees must dare ti make mistakes and that they are not only expected, but wanted when creating a new project.

The Dublin office and the rest of the company has also emphasized the importance for sustainability as we don’t have that much time to fix what we have already destroyed in our world. Our speakers showed us their small and larger efforts they have implemented in order to stand by their statements of becoming a more eco-friendly company. They showed us notebooks, pens, and a computer mouse all made out of sustainable/recyclable materials. Not only that but they discussed massive projects in the works to help in bigger ways as well. Microsoft has done much to improve their diversity and inclusion within and outside their company. They’ve created programs to create jobs for more people and created more accessible controllers for customers. They want to help the world as much as possible in every aspect of our lives, and I found that really fascinating. Because of this I would love the chance to work there. I’ve never found a tech company as something I could see in my potential future, but after today it’s made me rethink that. I have always wanted to work with a sustainable company and make this a norm in today’s society and seeing all of Microsoft’s efforts was really intriguing.

Questions I would love to ask Dr. Kelly tomorrow is: How successful are these efforts for sustainability within large companies such as Microsoft and how truthful is their promises/goals? Also, How does this affect the company’s image and success when making this switch to become more eco-friendly?