attempt to be objective

Adam received an early offer from Microsoft for summer coop just now.
If he is just ranked for all his remaining companies, he'd have to go to Microsoft.
But even if he gets other offers, the prospects for Microsoft seems a lot greater.
Between Infusion, iMason, and 2xNexJ that are all in Toronto, and 2xRIM that's in Waterloo, they don't seem like they would compare.

I am aware there's a reverse fallacy at work here: because i know that of all the companies i want him in Seattle the least, I'm convincing myself really hard how great Microsoft is so I can remain objective, which in turn, may become a bias on its own. So I'm going to make lists of why either of the choices are good...

What does Microsoft have to offer?
*1. Reputation - crazy boost on resume
2. Experience in large corporation from #1 company in the world
3. Learning advanced software development
4. High compensation and good benefits
*5. A chance not only to be independent, but also living in another country, to see the world

What would the other guys have to offer?
1. in a smaller company, more contribution to the overall value
2. experience as a consultant as opposed to code monkey
3. RIM is one of the largest company in the world as well, and is accelerating at high speed towards the top.
4. Compensation and benefits are also good at RIM
*5. Immediate long-term career opportunity after graduation in Ontario because he doesn't want to leave Canada permanently.

* means that it's an opportunity that can't be paralleled; that is, if the opportunity is missed, the benefit is not likely be regained elsewhere in the immediate future.

This really means Microsoft is probably the better choice, when will another easy opportunity to work in another city without longterm commitment arise again?

BAH

At least it's a cause for celebration.
Though I feel a heavy weight on my chest regardless.