Pros

I have a lot of latitude in how to do my job--I don't have to use processes or tools that aren't optimal because that is policy. Cisco is also really supportive of parents; I never get flak about working at home or leaving early to care for my son.

Cons

It's so big that nothing happens quickly. Also, you can go years without a raise.

Advice to Senior Management

Cost-cutting is great, but make sure employees feel valued rather than nickel and dimed to death.

Pros

Nice package when you get laid of. Good benefits. They know how to grow the company. No value for meritocracy. You can hang around without as long as you can get along. Excellent sales team, can sell any crap. Has a Good acquisition engine. No fear of lay-off.
Stable company. John chambers is God !!

Cons

Too political, Highly inefficient. Lot of buerocracy. Lack of innovation. Too slow . Lack of recognition.
Too Big.

Advice to Senior Management

Go to hell , except John Chambers ...

Pros

1. Good compensation.
2. Flexible hours.

Cons

1. Job getting more and more demanding.
2. Some first line manager need to learn not to micro-managing and how to promote non-stressful work environment

Advice to Senior Management

1. Stop promoting people solely based on political and game playing skill or butt-kissers.

Pros

Great company.
Good benefits
Most managers are flexible - and support a balanced life.
New business units/groups are ready to adapt to new technology and tools

Cons

you might be exposed to politics as you rise up. Ranking system for promotions indicates that someone has to look bad if you have to look good.

Advice to Senior Management

Get rid of ranking systems. In some groups - all the engineers are good! As the workforce ages make sure that benefits are not compromised.

Pros

Very diverse, Cisco Choice Internship Programs allows interns to have a say in which Cisco technology they work on. Cisco is also very rich as can be seen in their dominance in the networking field plus their numerous recent acquisitions.

Cons

If a Startup type atmosphere is your thing, Cisco may not be the best place to work, unless you are working on one of their newer products.

Advice to Senior Management

I was lucky in that I had a great boss, who was very understanding, helpful, and encouraging. I have no complaints in this regard.

Pros

Relaxed, easy environment to work in.
Exciting newer products
Manager's understand the need for a balance with life and work

Cons

Restructuring happens relatively frequently.
Business groups can disappear in the blink of an eye.
HR is quite slow due to size of Cisco.

Advice to Senior Management

The management a extremely understanding and helpful. I would not recommend any changes, simply request you keep up the good work.

Pros

lots of projects. go getter attitude, cutting edge tech. soft skills galore. training opportunities, good compensation, and bonus. hard work

Cons

chaos, lack of clarity around roles and responsibilities

Advice to Senior Management

cut down on bringing pods that are not qualified to lead key projects. Don't allow people to get their buddies into the org if they are not qualified.

Pros

- Enterprise Focused
- Great Culture
- Work Life Balance
- Global Growth Opportunities
- Strong, Focussed Teams
- Great Collaboration platforms

Cons

- Bureaucratic at times
- Cross-BU collaboration still tough to do
- Too many re-orgs
- Consumer Strategy not clear

Advice to Senior Management

Nothing

Pros

Decent benefits, good work flexibility, some smart folks

Cons

Huge pay gap between VPs and any other level. Company swung to far in cost cutting, gotten from the understandable to the ridiculous for a company with such large profit margins, and such a huge cash pile. The company is run by Frank Calderoni, not by John Chambers.
Too many "priorities", so there are none.

Advice to Senior Management

35 billion in cash. Seriously, you don't need to take the pennies out of your employees pockets by taking away the little things that made this a good place to work for.

Make a decision. Cut the BS "councils". And stop letting Frank and Randy run the company... they can't.

Pros

great worklife balance and excellent salary for new hires

Cons

poor career development track and difficult to get promotions

Advice to Senior Management

focus on employees career development in addition to portfolio management