IBM

Not many pros.

1. Like other service-based companies.
2. Trying to maintain the name and fame in the market.
3. This company is good for the trainee and senior levels, but not for mid-level employees who need to switch between roles.
4. Some work-life balance is present, depending on the projects and manager.

1. Bed compensation and growth. There may be no hike at all for two to three years, no matter how much effort you give, if your PMR is more than 100%. (It is a rating of the same band in the market assessed.) Based on that, you are getting paid, and there is less chance of renewal or audit of the PMR rating. So, if you don't know how much CTC you will get according to your band before joining, and if it is more than the PMR rate, you will end up with no hike for the next couple of years.

2. You will be entertained or pushed to do some side work, contribution, or help in other projects, but that will not help or will not be considered in your career progression. So don't be too happy.

3. Less chance of getting promotion. You may get lots of appreciation mail for doing good work, but that is a corporate trap to make you feel good, which will not help you at all in your career growth.

4. Sometimes, company performance, which I saw most of the time is below average, will impact your appraisal.

5. Managers in IBM are like termites; they don't have much context of the project and latest technologies or market standards, but they are still getting a huge package, which indirectly blocks the progression of those at lower levels. They don't have proper attitudes to behave, especially at the time of appraisal.

6. The notice period is 3 months, so before joining, you need to think twice, as at the time of job change, it will be a nightmare. HR will look for people to join immediately, but they will release candidates after serving the full notice period.

7. Check for the project details, as you may need to work at a local client location.

8. Less onsite opportunity. At least, there's less chance within 3-4 years.

9. Mails are circulating every day regarding the good developments or profits of the company, which is nothing but an illusion. If employees don't have growth at all, then the top-level management is having a problem because the end result is null.

10. No proper coding standards and work methodology are maintained.

11. Not good for career building for a mid-level developer.

1. Stop planning so much without a proper appraisal and rating process.
2. Give proper hikes to employees.
3. Need to audit managers' performance first.