Pros: Intel is a company which has decent wages, decent benefits, and seems to really be trying to improve. You will have the opportunity to work with many diverse individuals from many different countries, and on projects which directly impact the bottom line if you support manufacturing. They are committed to US-based manufacturing, and even though all products are finished in Asia, most of the products are built in the US before assembly. As a large company, you will be able to take the vacation days you are allotted with coverage plans in place and cooperation from management. Most managers are at least okay, and some are exceptional. They are working to rid the company of the bullies who often got all the credit for killing their teams. Sabbatical is a perk every 4 years (1 month) or 7 years (2 months), unmatched in any other private company I've seen.

Cons: Don't expect world-class compensation. Raises have been near 0, after inflation is taken into account, for over a decade. Stock compensation makes up for some of it, as does their bonus structure when stock is moving up, not sideways. There will always be people who try to push you way past your limits, and it's up to you and your manager to manage your workload to be effective. Old-school managers will work you to death and not care if you leave. There is still a long way to go for them to achieve race or gender equity.

Pros: 4/8 Sabbaticals, paternity leave, facilities, free fruit and drinks for internal employees, employee recognition program, logo, company name, or resume.

Cons: Lack of communication, all about stockholders' equity, no clear direction, reactive management. The company I started with back in 2006 is gone. It is extremely frustrating to see how management makes desperate decisions to maintain stockholders' returns, which translate into cuts. ACT reduced its workforce by 10%, but we continue to see reductions through collocations, shutdowns, etc., leveraging presence in countries such as Costa Rica, India, and China. The company brags about record revenue each and every quarter, yet I have not seen record bonuses nor significant pay increases to compensate employees. I used to think that Intel was a career company with unlimited options; now I am planning on taking my last sabbatical before moving to a different company.

Pros: Relaxed work environment. Decent salaries. ESPP is good.

Cons: Too much boot-licking expected for survival and growth. Multiple reorgs. Lack of challenging work.