Job Title: Engineer
Location: Houston, TX
Submitted on: 24-Nov-03
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Job Title |
Workplace
Survey |
| Engineer |
Dress Code: Casual. It is one of the better aspects of working for the
company.
Diversity: Average/typical. There is a strong Francophilic / Euro-
centric perspective that runs through the company though. Belgians and
French tend to be given preferential treatment.
Corporate culture: Abysmal. Very top down approach, a
la "ExxonMobil". Very punative - lots of stick and very little carrot.
High level of dissatisfaction runs through American employees. Often
rewards are based not on objective or quantified performance criteria
but on a buddy system. This part of the culture shines through in
career development and promotions. Many promotions are based on
who "shines the boss' shoes". A common ply is to put unattainable goals
on annual performance reviews for employees that are not favored. That
is used to justify a lack of career advancement.
Time cards. Everyone has to keep a timecard of their working hours.
Even professionals. Don't forget to fill out the timecard - you don't
want to deal with the hassle.
Career Development: Poor when compared against industrial peers. No
team structure (except when big bosses show up - then everyone is
a "happy family"). Each person for themselves. If others feel
threatened by your ability or intelligence, they will cut you down at
the knees. No public recognition for excellence within the company.
Opportunities for advancement: Depends. If one is French or Belgian,
the opportunities are quite good. They are cut to be leaders within the
organization. If one is neither French nor Belgian, the opportunities
are not so good. You are most likely destined to be a follower. Thick
glass ceiling. Also depends if one is in the right clique or not. Job
openings are not posted - the management chooses who will be promoted
and then an announcement is made. The structure is very flat - one can
be in the company for many years without being promoted.
Job Security: Good. If you are looking to meet minimum requirements
and strive for mediocrity, then Total is the company for you. The
company is good about not firing people, except in the face of repeated
gross incompetence. If one is good at keeping a low profile and not
being noticed, one can earn a decent salary.
Benefits Package. Excellent. There is a good health package, a nice
company match in the 401K, and a pension plan. Bonuses are nonexistant,
but the package is quite good.
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