Why do Microsoft job levels start in the high 50’s instead of starting at a sane number like 1?

This article explains the rationale behind Microsoft's job level system, which starts at level 59 for entry-level positions. It discusses the historical context and the changes made to improve career progression and employee morale.

From the article

Those unfamiliar with the Microsoft job level nomenclature are probably very confused that the entry-level full-time software engineering position is described as level 59, with increasing numbers as you get promoted. Why does it start at 59? Why not start with 1 like a sane person?

In the old days, recent college graduates typically started at levels 10 or 11, with a senior position at level 12, an advanced position at level 13, and a small number of elites at levels 14 and higher.

The problem with that system is that there was very poor granularity. Notice that if you come in as an advanced college graduate at 11, it’s just two promotions before you’re pretty much hit the practical limit. As a result, each level contained a large number of developers, covering a broad range of skills…

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