Company: IBM
Date: 2008-06-13
Overall rating: 4/5
Employment status: current

IBM from the lowest level
Pros: The best reasons to work for IBM are the competetive pay, community, and flexibility. As an intern, I am paid far beyond what most others my age with similar education are being paid. Very far beyond. IBM strives to create a sense of community, especially with interns who are being evaluated for possible full-time hire. There are organized tours, classes, meetings, and events for interns and we are strongly encouraged to attend. IBM is also very fair and flexible when it comes to scheduled and unscheduled time off- even for employees who are being paid hourly. Illness and emergency days have never been an issue.
Cons: Some of the downsides of working at IBM are the "nerd factor," the cultish-ness and arrogance of some employees, and the fact that the attempts to build community are sometimes overbearing. Most people who work at IBM are very nerdy and socially awkward, which can make them uncomfortable to be around and hard to communicate with. IBMers also fully believe that they are the best and their company is the best and that just because they are working at IBM they are somehow better than any other people in the technology field. Another downside is that sometimes IBM doesn't realize that employees have their own lives and friend and don't want to go to lunch, happy hour, and paintball with co-workers. There is sometimes pressure to attend optional activities outside of work hours.