Dow Chemical Reviews

Pros

Big company and alot of opportunities

Cons

If you get stuck in the wrong place getting out can be hard

Advice to Senior Management

Flexibility in changing jobs and locations within the company

Pros

One of the best places I have ever worked. I cannot remember when I have been so happy to go to work for a company.

Cons

None I would not change anything about DOW

Advice to Senior Management

none

Pros

best job i have ever had there's room for advancements and everyone gets along work is equally divided no preference whats so ever

Cons

i have no cons to say about the company

Pros

Great people with a can-do spirit. Dow has a reputation of overworking their employees, but this is not seen so much in Engineering Solutions. Engineering Solutions is perfect for someone looking to reap all the benefits of a large company, but still have a 8-5 job (very flexible on hours).

Cons

As a Civil Engineer there are not many opportunities for upward advancement. The only opportunities are to become a project manager, or to move into a non engineering role.

Advice to Senior Management

My only advice would be to the Engineering Solutions department to not try and be as competitive with other outside engineering companies because it takes away from the current employes.

Pros

Dow Chemical is a very flexible workplace.

Cons

I don't see any real cons about Dow Chemical.

Pros

Dow has a good strategy for growth, strong talent base, and excellent safety record. In addition, you have a lot of choice for career growth and job changes are strongly encouraged.

Cons

Dow is very process oriented, which can slow down or make simple tasks cumbersome. It also may over value employee movement between businesses and positions. Job movement is good, but the way to advance is largely based on changing jobs. It makes it hard to develop experts in niche areas.

Advice to Senior Management

Keep up the good work guiding the organization.

Pros

Dow is a great place to work. Most of my answers to the survey were because my current situation is not conducive to my career advancement. There is some great management in Dow overall and quite a bit of support. I look forward to making a change in my position so I can get back to working with people that respect and encourage others input and growth.

Cons

Just like in life, there are cliques in every organization...the trick is getting into an organization that accepts you and lets you realize your potential.

Pros

Well rounded development and global opportunities

Cons

Midland, Michigan is a quiet little town.

Advice to Senior Management

Continue the good work

Pros

Interesting and challenge projects. Great opportunity for professional growth.

Cons

Forced ranking performance review system is the worst that a company can do for its employees, even for the top "5" performers.

Pros

- Competitive Salary and benefits package
- Excellent training programme
- Very informal and friendly environment
- Senior colleagues very willing to share knowledge

Cons

- The relative-performance review process seems structured but it is ultimately very subjective
- Recognition and growth opportunities are better working at the plants in comparison to the Engineering Department (we are seen as a cost)
- Retention issues because of first two points make it difficult to switch roles sometimes.
- The drive for performance and again the performance review process encourages negative competition among employees.

Advice to Senior Management

Stop approaching performance review as though you had very well-defined measurement criteria. It is not so and instead it ultimately depends on a lot of subjectivity.