Company: IBM
Date: 2008-07-16
Overall rating: 4/5
Employment status: current

Great company, too much bureaucracy
Pros: Work life balance, benefits, steady job

Broad industry experience
IBM Global Business Services' global team prides itself on being a leader in the space where technology and business intersect, and its high-tech roots and resources allow it to offer clients integrated engagements that can span from strategy, to IT design, to implementation and outsourcing. IBM GBS works with two-thirds (65) of the World's 100 most Innovative Companies, as identified by BusinessWeek.

Truly global consulting
IBM's consultants can be found taking on engagements around the world. Outside of the U.S., India is IBM's largest country organization, employing more than 43,000 people in 14 cities. IBM is also pursuing a major initiative to support innovation in China, and it has continued to strengthen its foothold in Europe, especially in Ukraine, Ireland, Prague, Slovakia and Portugal.

On the cutting edge of innovation
IBM's culture of thought leadership encourages consultants to explore new concepts and solutions to adhere to the firm's primary strategic focus of delivering competitive advantage for clients' business success. IBM combines its brainpower with its world-class consulting and technology capabilities in several internal organizations to help it address critical business challenges-The Institute for Business Value and the Center for Business Optimization. The firm's methodologies of Component Business Modeling and On Demand Innovation Services also help bring its cutting-edge ideas to use at client sites.

A family-friendly environment
For 18 consecutive years, Working Mother magazine has named IBM on its Top Ten List of the 100 Best Companies for working mothers. The magazine honored the firm yet again in 2006, naming Palmisano a "family champion" in recognition of his dedication to innovative programs for women. In addition, the firm implements positive work/life balance initiatives like a work-from-home policy and a travel schedule that ensures consultants are home on weekends.
Cons: less career growth, low pay, too much bureaucracy