Our Mirage Resorts insiders generally give the company favorable reviews, largely because of the company's dynamic and constantly evolving atmosphere. Says one: "I have worked for other casinos but none have been like Mirage Resorts. The company is ever-changing; we are always moving forward. [It] seems as if we are always remodeling something." Another agrees: "Mirage Resorts is continuously expanding (promotion opportunities)." One contact working in IT tells us that "the chance to keep up with even a portion of our constantly changing technology has always excited me." The continual growth and evolution of Mirage seems to fit with life in Las Vegas generally. One amazed insider observes: "There is a lot of opportunity in Las Vegas; it is really booming out here. I've been here for almost ten years and it doesn't even seem like the same town I moved to."

Compensation: look beyond pay

"Rumor has it," one source observes, "that Mirage Resorts doesn't pay as much as some of the others, but I believe the benefits and strength of the company outweigh any salary discrepancies." What kinds of benefits? One is the company's 401 (k) plan, under which Mirage will "add 2 percent of your monthly pay, if you contribute at least 4% of your pay to the plan." Insiders also note a solid management training program, and a "staggered vacation schedule" that starts with one week after 12 months, two weeks after two years, three weeks after six years, and four weeks after 12 years.

Diversity: international

Insiders feel positive about Mirage's attitudes toward ethnic and gender equality. One adds: "I know they take sexual harassment very seriously." Another tells us that "people of many nationalities work at various staff and management positions, often within the same department. The primary example that comes to mind is international marketing." Another informant tells us: "I am partially of Latino extract myself, and I have made several advances since joining, and have every expectation of continuing to do so."

Formal dress, sometimes weird hours

As would be expected in the hotel/casino business, presentation is important. Of course, "many departments require uniforms," especially for those that operate on the casino floor. As for management, insiders tell us that "formal business attire" is the norm. Hours seem to reflect the hotel/casino life. For casino personnel, hours will generally be divided into four ten hour shifts, but, as one insider tells us, "since the casino industry is a 24-hour operation, casino workers and other non-office personnel often work odd hours, such as 8pm to 8am, or 4pm to midnight."