Microsoft techie claims 'corporate nepotism' exists in Silicon Valley: 'No point crying about it'

The claims sparked ongoing discussion online about whether family connections undermined merit-based recruitment in the technology sector.

A software engineer employed at Microsoft alleged that nepotism was prevalent within leading technology companies, claiming that some individuals held positions without the necessary technical skills because of their family connections.

The engineer, who stated on her Instagram profile that she lived in New York City, published a video in which she discussed the issue, referring to it as “corporate nepotism.”

“Corporate nepotism is a thing, especially in the Silicon Valley and I am going to tell you about it,” she said in the recording. She went on to allege that certain employees had been hired “only because their parents got them there” rather than through their own merit.

She added that “Bay Area kids” were able to secure internships or full-time roles at major firms without going through conventional processes. According to her, in instances where interviews were conducted, they were brief and lacked technical rigour.

She concluded her remarks by telling viewers that there was “no point crying about it” and that people should “play the cards they have been dealt.”

Moneycontrol.com has reached out to the professional for further information regarding the claim.

The video drew mixed reactions across social media. While some agreed with her claims, others remarked that nepotism had long existed across various industries.

One user commented: “How do we play the game now??” Another said: “This is literally crazy. Fashion is like this, too.”

Others reflected on broader patterns. “This has been going on since the dawn of humanity. Literally every single industry is run like this, don’t act like you wouldn’t do the same if you were a parent,” a third user observed.

A fourth person added: “But everyone wants to scream merit. I worked with many who were not skilled enough to hold positions. Yet they had opportunities.”

Another social media user remarked on career progression in Silicon Valley, writing: “I have seen so many Bay Area kids who get into big tech, then use that as leverage to reach out to VCs (again, friends of their parents) to raise money for their startup. Obviously, they do the ‘business’ side of things while the employees actually do the technical work.”

The claims sparked ongoing discussion online about whether family connections undermined merit-based recruitment in the technology sector.