Evonik Degussa Corporation Reviews

Pros

Evonik has undertaken a program to become more diverse and has recognized the need for more female executives. They have also begun a professional, well thought out approach to developing their talent in North America in response to the recognized need for such. Good performers are rewarded and the tuition reimbursement benefit is the absolute best. 100% paid up front - books, fees and all. They are a paternalistic company keeping current with benefits and costs. In the next few years, employees are going to witness many positive changes in the way Evonik goes forward as a unified corporation within NA. In the past there were many inbound expats coming from Germany. The quickest way toward advancement for qualified candidates is to be mobile and willing to accept assignments in other locations. Currently, we have more outbound expats than inbound - so things are changing.

Cons

Many individual managers need more training in how to be a good people manager.

Advice to Senior Management

Keep listening and keep caring

Pros

There are not many unfortunately - it is better if you are an Engineer or an expert in Sales - otherwise - not many pros to speak of - pay is ok, benefits are ok - not the worst but not the best.

Cons

If you are a woman in this company - you either have to be under the age of 30 or an Engineer. There is no respect in this old boy's network for any woman 35+ with a brain. If you look at HR - most if not all of the staff are under 30 - it is a running joke within the Company. There are a few managers to respect who are professional and a pleasure to work with - but not many.

Advice to Senior Management

HELLO!! Start respecting women in the workplace - the days of the Old Boys Network have got to go - get some women on the leadership tem.

Pros

they still have pension benefit. They are technicallly sound. If you are part of the real degussa not goldschimdt you have more opportunity for advancement
If you don't mind staying in the same positon till you retire with a little salary increase every year you in the right place.
In short if you not too ambitious, the Goldschmidt part of degussa is for you

Cons

The Goldschimdt part of degussa has poor advancement opportunities for non German.
The pay is not great and there is dispparity between American part and Geman part
The Goldschmidt part of degussa located in Virginia has a high turn over. Most management positions are occupy by the Germans. If you are non- German to get a little promotion you may have to spend some time in Germany or be friendly and talk your way up with the Germans.

Advice to Senior Management

Treat every body with the same qualification equal.
Pay competitive salary