Cisco

Cisco is a stable, solid company; it's process-oriented and structured, treating employees well. The benefit package and long PTO days are very attractive. Salary is above average and very reasonable for the type of software development work required. The work environment is also very nice, with a nice campus, location, cafeteria, gym, and various services on site. Cisco offers good job security and job growth through internal promotions and transfers. Depending on the work groups, people I meet there are generally happy. If you can find a team you like and a team that contributes to Cisco's bottom line, then your chances of happiness are higher.

Dealing with globalization may not be easy. Teams that coordinate with offshore teams often work long, strange hours. You might be expected to attend meetings (online, at home, ok) as early as 7 a.m. or as late as 10 p.m. Cisco, though more agile than a company of similar size, is still big. The product cycle is slow (1+ year) and very process-oriented. Things don't get done as simply and as fast as they should. Maybe folks there are pretty set in their own ways. Not the most innovative crowd. Don't be stuck in a group that is not performing. The bottom line counts a lot at Cisco.

Keep up the good work.