**Nepotism in the Tech Industry? Microsoft Employee’s Viral Video Sparks Debate**
*By Akash Pandey | Sep 18, 2025, 6:23 PM*
**What’s the story?**
Ume Habiba, a software engineer at Microsoft, has called out rampant nepotism in Silicon Valley. In a viral Instagram video, she claimed that some people secure positions at top tech companies not based on merit but through family connections.
“Corporate nepotism is a thing, especially in Silicon Valley,” Habiba stated. She added that many individuals are hired despite lacking necessary technical skills simply because “their parents got them there.”
**Industry Critique**
Habiba emphasized that while nepotism is often linked to the entertainment industry, it is just as prevalent in big tech. According to her, many managing directors in Silicon Valley engage in favors to secure jobs or internships for their children. “I’ll hire your kid if you hire mine,” is reportedly a common phrase exchanged among executives.
**Hiring Loopholes**
According to Habiba, nepotism frequently results in unqualified hires. She alleged that children from the Bay Area sometimes receive job offers from leading companies without undergoing traditional hiring processes. Even when interviews take place, she noted they tend to be brief and lack technical rigor.
She concluded her video on a pragmatic note, advising viewers to accept the situation and “play the cards they have been dealt.”
**Public Response**
The video has sparked mixed reactions online. Some users agreed with Habiba’s observations, whereas others downplayed the issue.
One commenter wrote, “They say that the zip code you grow up in dictates your life. Makes sense.” Another remarked, “Executives make up 1–2% of any company. Their kids may occupy a single spot on a team of 100+. I’m not stressed about one nepo kid.”
**Ongoing Discourse**
The debate over nepotism in the tech industry continues. While some defend the merit-based hiring system, others point out cases where unqualified individuals have been given opportunities.
One user shared, “I know for a fact I worked with many who were not skilled enough to hold positions. Yet they had opportunities.” Another commented, “It will happen everywhere, even you would do that. So just accept it.”
As conversations unfold, the topic of nepotism in tech remains a contentious and widely discussed issue.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/microsoft-engineer-slams-silicon-valley-nepotism/story
