Novartis – “Good opportunity, if you can deal with the pressure..”

Pros

Opportunities for advancement are great.. if you're willing to put in the hours, and especially, if you're internationally mobile. The compensation (salary/benefits) are good. The company is engaged in work that makes a difference in people's lives.

Cons

Extremely high expectations to do more with minimal additional resources. The pressure to deliver more consistently is great. "Raise the bar" is a catch-phrase that sets the tone from senior management.

Advice to Senior Management

Increase your tolerance for failure - to achieve greatness, there has to be an allowance for innovation. Innovation implies occasional mis-steps. The pressure to deliver perfectly, every time, is wearying.