Worst management practices in my 20+ years experience at 10+ companies (review for 2009-2011) - Clinical Development Gilead Sciences Employee Review

1.0
Feb 20, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

They give you titles and signing bonuses, probably because they have such a hard time getting people willing to work there. They are always hiring, due to the high turnover rate. In recent years, the stock price has been doing well.

Cons

When there is a management challenge, instead of having a conversation with the employee and trying to manage the problem, they made their lives miserable to get them to quit. Management expressed extreme pride in how efficient they were as compared with companies like BMS, J&J, etc For example, when people would ask about getting more resources, they would say, "where are you from? Oh, for 5 of them, there is 1 of us." Although HR usually is there for the company and not really for the employees (with the exception of a few companies), it is never as true as it is here. Don't bother bringing any issues to HR. It would be more productive for you to spend your time searching for another job, although due to how many hours you have to work here, you probably won't have the time. Work-life balance doesn't exist here and you shouldn't even breath a word of it or you will be fired or made to wish you were dead. Recruiters throughout the bay area in biotech know to go poaching there, because of the environment. The most political, back-stabbing environment I have ever experienced or heard of. Extreme favoritism and politics. Talking about the company to anyone you wouldn't trust with your life (slight exaggeration) is not advisable; and don't talk in the hallways or cafes.

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5.0
Jun 18, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

good company to work for

Cons

no serious cons to be listed

5.0
Jul 7, 2026
Anonymous intern
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Meaningful, mission-driven work with the opportunity to contribute to projects that can have a real impact on patients. Colleagues are highly knowledgeable, supportive, and generally willing to provide mentorship. Gilead also offers strong resources, exposure to different functions within the pharmaceutical industry, and opportunities to work on high-visibility projects.

Cons

Cons: As with many large companies, decision-making and project approvals can sometimes move slowly because of multiple layers of review. The experience may also vary depending on the specific team and manager, and the number of meetings and internal processes can occasionally feel cumbersome.

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