IBM

Compared to what else is available in this area, the pay is okay. The cafeteria food is varied, but the area itself is crowded because the work site is huge with 1700 IBMers alone at the site. Raytheon also shares the same eatery along with a small high school.

Parking is plentiful.

Being able to work with technology is great, provided that it works as described.

Camaraderie is great IF one can break into the established network.

One can jump-start a career at IBM, but don't stay too long to avoid being pigeonholed into a specialty which does not translate well into the outside world.

Lack of management support, technical savvy, nepotism, and discrimination.

Bathroom floors are painted a disgusting color, faucets don't match, and soap dispensers constantly drip a glowing, stinky, pink soap.

Managers are often unaware of what the teams are doing, hence, technically ignorant. Nepotism and favoritism are rampant, making management issues even worse. Discrimination against any employee is a career hazard to the point where employees are fearful of revealing a disability, especially by accident.

Microwaves are wired to a single minute timer because a secretary burned popcorn which triggered the smoke alarms and caused the building to be evacuated twice. Imagine being treated as a neglected child. It's worse than that at IBM.

Actually take into account the suggestions given by rank-and-file employees.

Don't just say "email me any time with questions" but then reply with a belittling email, cc-ing every manager down the ladder to the employee. Stop the 'rule by fear' environment!

Everyone fears they will be pushed into early retirement or train their replacement who has a heavy Asian accent. This keeps information sharing from happening. Those who wish to learn more and be promoted aren't because they are pushed down from above. Constantly.