Company: IBM
Date: 2008-06-05
Overall rating: 3/5
Employment status: current

A Good Company with a Few Tragic Flaws
Pros: IBM is the largest education provider in the industry. Consultants are given ample opportunities to work for multiple clients (both internal and external), thus increasing their flexibility and adaptability...this is an important skill to possess in today's rapidly changing business environment. In the past 4 years, I have had clients in banking, retail, manufacturing, telecommunications, insurance, and credit. Every client has had a unique business culture, and adapting to a new environment at the beginning of an engagement is both challenging and rewarding. IBM still offers excellent medical, dental, and vision programs. They offer a progressive 401K system to every employee, as well as access to coaches who can help them manage their finances. IBM also offers work-from-home arrangements...a real life saver with four dollar a gallon gas prices. Finally, the IBM Credit Union offers services such as auto aquisition, home/car/boat financing, student loans, and group insurance.
Cons: Excessive hours. Mandatory travel. Persons who refuse to (or who are unable to) travel are usually told to leave the company. Odd hours (several of my "team" members are in Australia, India, and China)...making evening work a given.