IBM

IBM has a great reputation. The company has a long and deep history in the computing hardware and software industry. Working at IBM as an engineer, you have the opportunity to work with a lot of smart and talented people, and you have access to the latest technologies and information. The company also has a good benefits package and average or above salaries.

Being the size that it is, political and networking skills are as important (perhaps even more important) than technological skills. Do not depend on management to outline a career path; you are on your own. Low-level managers are generally too busy answering to their managers to help employees. Also, remember that profit is number one at IBM. This company is about making a dollar first and how to use technology and current trends in the pursuit of that goal. IBM is first and foremost a business. This may be a good company for an MBA, not necessarily for an engineer.

Specifically as a staff software engineer, some of the downsides are long hours, little input to the decision-making process, and little consideration for work/life balance. Remember, it's a privilege to work at IBM!

(OK, yes, I'm a little bitter.)

My advice to senior management would be to pay more attention to the human elements. I've seen too many examples of the dollar being more important than the employee. The end result is devaluing the employees.