Genentech is a great company but each site is different
Pros
I liked the value Genentech (Corporation) placed on employee satisfaction. I feel that as a corporation Genentech shares information that impacts us at the appropriate time and trust's its employees to be professional about the information. I also liked the stability the company has attained, this affords them the ability to have extra non-routine benefits such as HoHos, Incentives, recognition programs, free drinks etc. Genentech's bonus structure is also very generous given the company has a good year. I also liked the resources available for professional development. I was able to take numerous internal courses that helped develop my skills. The Genentech facilities are also very confortable to work in with wide open spaces.
Cons
The culture at the particular site where I worked at was not very rewarding. The site tends to elicit competition with the other sites. This is a very uncomfortable situation when you are representing the site on a cross site project. Another downside is that although Genentech is flexible with your time, Genentech expects 120% from everyone, on average. However, they encourage that you balance work / life. In addition, at the site I worked at, it feels as if the ones that stretch themselves and take the challenges are not necessarily the ones that are rewarded. It sometime feels as if they prefer a more quiet behavior.
