Cisco

Cisco is a large, successful tech company with its hands in many different technologies. This is a benefit for ensuring you get exposed to new technologies and projects.

The culture in Ottawa is as similar to a start-up as you can get with a large company – there is great camaraderie amongst employees and inter-team collaboration.

Compensation in Ottawa is very good compared to other large companies in the area. Vacation, benefits, and perks are excellent.

Cisco shares the same downfalls as any large company, with bureaucracy and silos that create scenarios where different teams may duplicate work or have breakdowns in communication.

Working at Cisco in Canada, you will suffer 'satellite office syndrome'. Fewer promotions, raises, and less interesting work may come your way.

Management inside Ottawa is excellent. Executives should take the time to evaluate and find that Canadian engineers are probably the most productive for the dollar in the world.