Melinda French Gates says she took a job at a 'little company' called Microsoft after her hiring manager at IBM told her to go for it - Business Insider

In the late 1980s, a young Melinda French was presented with an opportunity that would ultimately shape the course of her personal and professional life. At the time, French was working for IBM, a leading name in the technology industry. However, when her hiring manager suggested she consider a position at a 'little company' called Microsoft, she decided to take a leap of faith. It was a decision that not only led her to a successful career in technology, but also introduced her to her future husband, Bill Gates.

This story has recently come to light as French Gates, now known as Melinda French Gates following her recent split from Bill Gates, reflects on her journey in the tech industry. Her move to Microsoft in 1987 as a product manager was a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of her contribution to the tech giant's success and her subsequent philanthropic endeavors.

French Gates' narrative serves as an important reminder of the far-reaching impact career decisions can have, not only on an individual's professional trajectory but also on their personal life. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of seizing opportunities, even when they appear to be insignificant or unassuming at first glance.

Before making a name for herself in the tech world and philanthropic circles, Melinda French Gates took her first steps in the corporate world at a multinational technology company, IBM. She joined the company after her graduation from Duke University in 1986 where she had studied computer science and economics. Intriguingly, it was her hiring manager at IBM who would later encourage her to take a job at a then-nascent company, Microsoft.

Following this advice, French Gates joined Microsoft in 1987. She started as a product manager, responsible for developing and marketing multimedia and interactive products. This role was a critical one, as Microsoft was then in its early phase of pioneering the personal computer revolution. Her position allowed her to be at the forefront of software development, influencing the direction of the technology that would soon become ubiquitous in households and offices worldwide.

The transition from IBM to Microsoft represented a significant turning point in French Gates's career. This shift placed her in an environment teeming with innovation and growth, setting the stage for her future successes. It was also during this time at Microsoft that she would meet the man who would later become her husband, Bill Gates, marking the beginning of one of the most influential partnerships in the tech world.

However, while her move to Microsoft was a defining moment, it was not without its challenges. As one of the few women in a male-dominated industry, French Gates had to navigate gender biases and stereotypes. Despite this, she would go on to achieve remarkable success, both in her professional career and in her philanthropic endeavors.

French Gates' decision to join Microsoft was not a random act, but a calculated career move. The young prodigy had previously worked at IBM, where she gained valuable experience in the tech industry. Her hiring manager at IBM was the one who encouraged her to take the job at Microsoft, a decision that would later prove pivotal in her career and personal life.

At the time, Microsoft was a small but promising tech firm. French Gates was appointed as a product manager, a role that allowed her to be at the forefront of some of the company’s most influential projects. Her keen understanding of technology combined with her strong leadership skills made her a valuable asset to the company.

It was during her tenure at Microsoft that she met Bill Gates, the co-founder of the company. The two quickly formed a strong bond, both professionally and personally. They were married in 1994, and their union further solidified their influence in the technology industry.

French Gates’ journey from IBM to Microsoft serves as a reminder that taking risks and seizing opportunities can often lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes. Her story is not just about her success, but also about her willingness to embrace change and make bold decisions.

After her hiring manager at IBM encouraged her to take a chance on a small but promising company, French Gates made the decision to join Microsoft. This move would not only dramatically change the trajectory of her professional career, but also her personal life.

"She was a trailblazer in that respect," says tech industry analyst, Brian Solis. "At that time, Microsoft was still in its infancy. It was far from the tech giant it is today. But Melinda saw its potential and decided to be part of that journey."

According to Solis, French Gates' decision was a daring one, given the fact that Microsoft was still a relatively unknown entity in the technology industry. "When Melinda joined Microsoft, it was still considered a 'little company'. It wasn't a sure bet by any means. It was a leap of faith, but one that paid off immensely in the long run."

Indeed, not only did French Gates go on to have a successful career at Microsoft, but she also met her future husband, Bill Gates, at the company. Their partnership would later extend beyond their personal lives, with the couple jointly establishing the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world's largest and most influential charitable organizations.

In conclusion, Melinda French Gates' career trajectory serves as an inspiring lesson to many. She began her career at IBM, where she was encouraged by her hiring manager to pursue an opportunity at a then little-known company called Microsoft. This decision, while not immediately apparent in its significance, would come to define her professional and personal life in profound ways.

Her journey at Microsoft, starting in 1987 as a product manager, not only shaped her career but also led to her meeting her former husband, Bill Gates. Her story underscores the importance of taking risks and embracing opportunities, even when their ultimate impact may not be immediately apparent.

As we reflect on French Gates' career, it's clear that her decisions and experiences have significantly shaped the tech industry and the world at large. Her story serves as a reminder of the potential that lies within 'little companies' and the transformative power of seizing opportunities as they come.

Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/melinda-french-gates-ibm-hiring-manager-told-me-join-microsoft-2025-3