Esri reviews

Esri takes the "E" out of Environmental. Or both E's. This is a software company that hides behind it's name and pretty maps. The company will let you work yourself to the bone if you let it. 60+ hour work weeks were totally possible, depending on the tempo. Don't believe in the fantasy that Esri is the 'cream of the crop' in GIS. It often times doesn't seem like a GIS company; they could be selling beachballs or plastic forks. Much of their focus is an online version of GIS that can be manipulated by users that don't even know anything about GIS. If you think that non-cartographers should be making maps that influence policy and decision making, then you fit the Esri business model. If you're looking to use GIS skills, then you should look elsewhere. Very few people in this company need to be skilled in GIS. Your true skills will help you get a job here, but those skills along with your deeper passion for GIS will likely perish. But as I said, you're job here is to create customers, retain customers, and pretend that ESRI and GIS are synonyms. It's fantasy land for people who want to live a fantasy. That's applicable to the broader context of southern California, btw. The general population density of southern California is ridiculous; expect to experience a lot of competitive inconvenience based solely on the fact that more than 20 million people live in southern California. The landscape is better suited for lizards than for mammals, but because of abusive water rights the people are able to thrive. Let's see if that lasts during the 21st century. I only bring this up, because numerous locals took the time to tell me that growing up in a place like Redlands is the only way that you could ever think of a place like the greater Los Angeles area as normal. in order for Redlands to ever seem normal. These are all relevant parts of the job experience, right? Partying reigns supreme in southern California, but maybe that's what you're looking for. Not only is alcohol legal at just about every store in California, it's practically mandatory. You'll definitely learn your demons in southern California. Think twice before you cash in a different opportunity to come here, unless you're working a contract job in Afghanistan. It's better than that.

-The pay is the lowest in the industry and when adjusted for cost of living, the situation is even worse. The company will give all sorts of excuses why the wages are so low. -Benefits are terrible for the software industry but management tells you they are great. -No room for growth. Management likes to say the company has a flat management style, yet when there is one manager for every three employees I find that hard to believe. -Management are clueless. Most managers don't have a clue about anything technology related despite that esri tells us we are a software company. -No company anything. Don't expect to be given a free company shirt when you attend the huge user conference in San Diego every year. Don't expect a free drink, meal, or snack. They don't even have band-aids available in the break room. We were told to moderate our use of office supplies, as if using company pens is bankrupting this extremely wealthy company. There is no such thing as a company party or event. Sometimes people through small parties but you have to pay $50 to attend. -The founder never shows his face to employees. I have worked at esri for many many years and not once has Jack ever come to a meeting or all hands meeting to address us. I have never seen him in person or the majority of the executive management. What is he so afraid of? That his unhappy employees will tell him how they really feel? -Cutting benefits and hours. The company restricts how many hours you can work, you get paid by the hour. And they have changed health insurance to one with much less coverage.