Texas Instruments

This is hard to say, since it all depends on which group one works in, in which building, in which city. There can be incredible variation in policy implementation, discipline, favoritism or fairness, management styles, workload, etc. You will never know what your job will be like here until you get into it. TI is not monolithic like the old EDS where Ross Perot had everyone wearing navy suits and white shirts.

Generally, the good things that come to mind are that there is a nice sense of camaraderie among most employees, though it's not a place where everyone smiles at you and says 'Hi' – if they don't know you, they will look down and not say a word as you pass in the hall.

Another good thing is that managers almost never refuse any time off, even when your work group is really under the gun. They seem to know it's very important for employees to be able to have some flexibility in making vacation plans, or even just the freedom to take off with almost no notice for family reasons. That is a big plus.

Also, diversity is a big buzzword, but TI takes it seriously. I have never seen anyone discriminated against, or at least I've never heard anyone say they had a problem with it whether due to religion, race, appearance, lifestyle, etc. TI is a very international place, with engineers from many countries.

TI is famous for laying off workers every few years. In the past, there was the 'tap on the shoulder' method, and the person was walked out the door. Luckily, last year they gave the affected employees notice long in advance.

Favoritism is sometimes a big problem, depending on the manager, of course. Rules and regulations will not be enforced fairly and evenly in some groups.

Pay is not on par with other companies, according to salary survey sites. Your pay raises won't cover annual inflation, and so, in essence, unless you get a nice promotion, your pay will be at about the highest level it will ever be the year you start. With a 1-3% annual raise, if raises are given, one's actual purchasing power goes down yearly while working at TI.

Consider what it would be like if you suddenly were laid off and had the prospect of relocating, taking a job making a lot less money, perhaps, and making your kids change schools and find new friends... or maybe living on a fraction of your income on unemployment for a year or so.

Cut out all favoritism from the very highest levels down. Take reports of it to HR seriously. Only very serious consequences for those engaged in it would solve the problem.