Company: IBM
Date: 2012-08-11
Overall rating: 4/5
Employment status: former
Experience level: Confirmed

IBM's solid management discipline makes this a good place to work.
Pros: IBM has the best management of any company I've been a part of and everything is very process driven.  This combination means that the work environment is generally pleasant and fair--rather than egos determining decision making, discussion and debate is fostered, and the best idea generally rises to the top.   This probably partly why IBM stays at the top of its industry.  There is also a lot of opportunity for developing skills, and this is in fact encouraged.  Also there are opportunities to move around within IBM to get exposure to other areas of the business.
Cons: Because it's a very large company there is a lot of red tape, and finding the right person to get what you need can be a trying task at times.  Management generally is helpful, but the onus is still on the employee to solve their own issues in most cases.  

Also, most parts of IBM in the US are set up for employees to work remotely.  This has it's pluses and minuses.  If you prefer a flexible schedule and the ability to work from home, and can discipline yourself in this setting, it is beneficial.  But you also end up feeling disconnected from your fellow coworkers and it often takes much longer to get simple tasks done that would take no time at all if everyone was in the office.  

On-boarding with IBM can be a trying experience, and requires a lot of self discipline, and persistence to get up to speed.