Agilent Technologies Reviews

Pros

Making "measurement tools" and instruments may sound boring, but actually Agilent is a scientifically challenging and fascinating place to work. In my experience, many people (including the CEO) do practice the old "HP Way." They show respect for employees, allow significant independence and flexible schedules (I'm home by 5 every day), and compensation is generous. And unlike many other tech companies, Agilent actually demonstrates corporate citizenship by donating to many charities, sponsoring science education programs, and reducing environmental impact by installing solar and recycling. And all of these benefits (to employees, customers, and communities) are done while making a stable profit. I think Hewlett and Packard would be proud.

Cons

It can be difficult to understand some of what Agilent makes or who the customers are, and it's not that "sexy." Most people have not heard of Agilent.

Pros

Good work-life balance, smart co-workers, technology forefront

Cons

constant pressure that goes with technology changes

Pros

Working with highly skilled employees who care about their jobs

Cons

Worldwide scope of projects can be a bit challenging at times

Advice to Senior Management

None

Pros

Great people
Benefits seems fair and decent
work was challenging in order to meet deadlines.

Cons

The location I was at did not support career growth nor did they promote it

Advice to Senior Management

Why not look to hire and grow talent from within instead of always getting new hires to fill positions. Some of your current employees have great ideas of how to run things for the future of the business.

Pros

Training and personal development, benefits although starting to look like everyone else.

Cons

Club mentality. Have to be connected to the inner circle to get along. Need a mentor or two.

Advice to Senior Management

Look beyond the obvious to seek he best talent. Thinking the same does not equal best candidates.

Pros

1. Salary
2. Compansation/incentice
3. Cant think of any other

Cons

1. Take orders from High command in Europe
2. 24/7 back on line
3. No feedback from management, only when

Advice to Senior Management

Break the stereotype and embrace change

Pros

Everybody from the HP days is amazing.
Good culture and work environment
Flexible work hours
Open style of management / regular informal meetings with 3 layers of management

Cons

Focus on shareholder value instead of producing the best products
Powerless middle-management, Apotheker-esque vision-impaired upper management
Short-sighted decision making, becoming a me-too company
Difficult for new employees to find growth opportunity

Advice to Senior Management

Pay dividends on stock and stop trying to be a growth company. Do not throw EMG under the bus for the sake of LSG. Do not forget your roots -- let engineers run the company instead of MBAs.

Pros

Superior quality in product. People generally want to be there and work hard. Very flexible in working with your work life balance.

Cons

Management is extremely cautious in all situations. Seem to want to have one person to do the work of 3. Lack of training when starting. No real professional development conversations going on with supervisors.

Advice to Senior Management

Make sure that you are looking at your business needs and your staff and understand that when a group loses three people, they need to be replaced, not have their work dumped onto the shoulders of others.

Pros

Management was very supportive with providing the tools needed to enhance my skill set or directing me to a position where my skills would be best utilized. Everyone is very friendly, family friendly, and has a great attitude about their work.

Cons

The slow business industry leads to some rough economic patches where you're unsure if you are about to get laid off or if you will keep your job.

Advice to Senior Management

Con: Be more enthusiastic and energetic. Some of the company communications were dull and non-exciting.

Pro: Keep up with hiring managers who actually care about the worker and who provide tools/training to enhance technical know-all.

Pros

Free coffee
Lots of parking spaces in the parking lot. Layoffs do have a benefit

Cons

Many project cancellations.
No innovation, just add some lipstick to the pig products and call it something new
Management created an atmosphere where people no longer cooperated with each other.

Advice to Senior Management

Please retire and get some people with an innovative streak in place.