Great perks, but difficult career development - Associate Group Medical Director Genentech Employee Review

5.0
Dec 16, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great company, great culture, fast pace, innovative, risk-takers, pretty open and direct communication style. Mixed PC- & Mac environment, business class travel for intercontinental flights, great support structure

Cons

Passive approach to career development (dogma: "everyone is responsible for her own career"). Can be translated as "the company doesn't help you in your career". It's really difficult to move up or even lateral. Some of the Stanford- & UCSF scientist are super-arrogant and almost refuse to engage in a debate with Non-Ivy League colleagues.

Explore other reviews about Genentech

5.0
Jul 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great culture and work environment.

Cons

PhD is necessary oftentimes for advancement.

3.0
May 7, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Genentech's origin story and mission are genuinely inspiring — few companies can point to such a meaningful historical arc in medicine. Patient engagement is taken seriously and feels authentic, not performative. The campus is beautiful and the culture has real warmth.

Cons

DDA is operating with significant gaps. First, the foundational data infrastructure is not mature enough to support the ambitions being set for the team. Second, the measurement culture has gotten ahead of the methodology, and no one in a position of authority seems to be asking hard questions about whether the numbers actually mean what they're being presented as meaning. Third, some management feel disconnected from the work itself, lacking the knowledge, hands-on experience, or relevant credentials. Individually any one of these would be manageable. Together these create an environment where it's hard to do rigorous work, rather work is performative, and be recognized for it.

3
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