It's similar. They use the same proficiency level guidelines for many different aspects when doing employee reviews. There is also a pre-established ruling on at what level of proficiency an employee of a certain level should be at for each one. So, for example, a level 62 employee should be at level 2 humor proficiency. Level 64 should be at proficiency 3, etc. Being above the expected proficiency for your level is a factor in getting a bigger bonus. You also can't get promoted until your proficiencies are at least at the next expected level.
Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!
No joke, radio.
The way you put it, the Microsoft career path sounds like a boring RPG.
Pretty much, and leveling up is a bitch.
Don't get caught up in the competencies. Levels are all about scope. And the odd ones require a jump in mgmt chain signoff, so start working with your lead on them early because they ain't getting them for you at the last minute.
Wow. I'm an engineer at Microsoft. I don't know what this particular site is about (from poking around, it seems to be targeted at education) but I can assure you that career paths and employee reviews at Microsoft have nothing to do with humor.
It's a weird day when you have to write such a comment :)
No, not humor. I mean that proficiency scale is used for various other more pertinent traits. I worked for Microsoft up until February.
Sriram speaks the truth. I've never worked with anyone more serious than you in my life. ;)