Devon Energy Reviews

Pros

Devon is one of the best oil and gas companies to work for in Calgary. The people there are top notch.

Cons

The internship program is not as structured as at other companies. It's up to the student to show initiative, set goals and self-monitor performance.

Advice to Senior Management

Management should embrace new IT technology to facilitate communication and collaboration such as in-house social media. Devon should look towards companies like Google for innovative strategies to improve working conditions and stimulate creativity.

Pros

Great company and people
* great pay
* opportunities for some to advance
* invests in their people

Cons

Big "programs of the month" eroding their edge
* seems like a different big initiative each year
* consultants everywhere, then they go away, then more come back
* becoming like all the other big corporations, which is a shame

Advice to Senior Management

Look internally to ideas, improvements, culture, not outside

Pros

Good people - everyone cares
Great environment - very open to sharing ideas, knowledge, and information
Company as a whole is focused on always doing the right thing
One of the strongest balance sheets among peer group

Cons

Currently streamlining portfolio - laying people off
Communication regarding potential advancement could be better
Industry wide - gas prices are down, salaries are frozen

Advice to Senior Management

Common sense decisions - keep it up
Controlled and conservative management of assets - keep it up
Do everything possible to make Washington DC aware of the importance of nat gas
Be careful not to put all eggs in shale gas basket

Pros

Fewer hours involved than comparable companies
Three weeks vacation
Employees are friendly, management shows respect

Cons

Executive positions are in Oklahoma- can only advance to a certain point in Houston
Currently downsizing and laying people off

Advice to Senior Management

Don't grow the company too fast where it can't handle downturns in the economy. Keep the "family" feel where employees are not a number, but a person.

Pros

compensation, smaller company, 9/80 schedules

Cons

communication isn't the best between management and others

Advice to Senior Management

Make sure the right people are making the decisions for who gets hired or not.

Pros

It has the strengths of a major oil company in terms of a diversified portfolio, diverse job opportunities, the capital to tackle large-scale projects, and the discipline and foresight to be ahead of the industry curve in terms of new plays and trends and applying new technology to unlock them. On the other hand, Devon can move as quickly as independents much smaller in size and management will support new ideas without being locked in 'analysis-paralysis.' The people are first-class all the way -great to work with. Management is made up of people that are professional but also value the softer-side of HR/people skills.

Cons

With any company of this size, there is some bureaucracy, a few more meetings than necessary, but the overall job experience and work environment is worth it.

Advice to Senior Management

Keep doing what you're doing! Keep encouraging your employees to try new things and take some risks. That is why Devon continues to be at the fore-front of so many different plays and trends.

Pros

It still has a great small company feel to it even though it is a 30 billion dollar company. Management takes care of it's people like they were family. They still give out a Christmas bonus to every single employee in the company. We are all part of the family

Cons

Can't ever get more than 4 weeks of vacation if you come in from another company. No credit for past years of experience causes you to have to work 20 years with Devon to get 5 weeks. Sadly I'll be 72 when that happens.

Advice to Senior Management

Keep up the great work. Great work on keeping us all informed on whats going on and why.

Pros

Senior leadership is the best in the business. Opportunities for growth are plenty. Benefits are good. There is a sense of belonging among the employees. Morale is strong from top to bottom. Information is communicated upward and downward fairly well. The company believes in a strong work-life balance. It is founded on integrity and strictly adheres to its mission and values. It is strategically positioned within the marketplace, with a strong presence in most domestic basins. Its overseas exposure is minimal and purposely placed in countries that are less risky politically. There are no sacred cows within this company - everyone is a valued employee and is treated fairly and with respect.

Cons

It is a little behind the times in certain aspects. Departments are a bit too functional and not as team oriented as possible. Divisions operate semi-autonomously, and rarely are opportunities for advancement advertised beyond the immediate office or division. This company is an excellent place to work for individuals with strong self motivation; however, those that require aset career path and a strong support mechanism might find it a frustrating experience. Likewise, this is not a company that one with an aversion to change and adaptation will appreciate.

Advice to Senior Management

Keep doing whatever you are doing. Streamline and push responsibility down the organization as much as possible. Educate the leaders of tomorrow while you have the time to do so.

Pros

Devon is the best place I have ever worked. It is fun, lively atmostphere that is both laid back and professional. Integrity is how senior management is characterized and they walk the talk. They strive to be a family atmosphere even though they are a large company. Opinions are valued and appreciated.

Cons

Very busy job makes it difficult to take time off. Very demanding level of work and responsibility causes multiple overtime hours.

Advice to Senior Management

When employees come to you stating they need to add staff to alleviate working 60-70 hours a week, please consider the position quickly and considerately to the staff it impacts. It is frustrating to employees when staff is added for upper management positions rather than promoting from within. It is also frustrating when you can't get staff added in a timely fashion or at all to minimize workload.