IBM Reviews in Calgary, AB Area

Pros

For one, you are with like-minded peers with similar education levels. There are many resources to help you learn on the job, and you are on the leading edge of knowledge.

Cons

The compensation in Calgary for consulting does not compare well to similar roles in corporations. The other downside is the bonus structure is significantly lacking compared to corporate calgary.

Advice to Senior Management

IBM in Calgary is in a unique position due to proximity to oil and gas industry. Special attention to this group is necessary to not only attract and retain quality employees, but to identify services and offerings that are higher in the value chain compared to IT.

Pros

Opportunity to work from home

Cons

Many jobs outsorced over seas. Future jobs n North America at risk

Advice to Senior Management

Too much time focusing on internal red tape rather than the customer

Pros

Great education before cutting occurred, top PM discipline, processes

Cons

Most of us are being let go and replaced with offshore resources

Advice to Senior Management

Stop offshoring so many jobs - there has to be a better balance between local and offshore

Pros

Very flexible work environment. Opportunity for a variety of different positions. Ability to work remotely when it fits my life. Flex time. Challenging work with lots of management and peer support.

Cons

Idea that "give back" is expected and necessary.

Advice to Senior Management

No advice at this tme

Pros

Profitable company which is well organized. Forward thinking and profit driven

Cons

Very aware of the need to drive costs down and offshore of most technical roles is expected. This is not speculation but a published plan.

IBM's benefit plan is the worst I have seen in my 20 year career. Very flexible with high cost to emplyees with hard to claim processes. Many if not most opt out. I have never seen payouts in a year exceeding cost to employee.

I am on working notice right now with a 7 year employee status.
Do not expect a severage package either as that is costs to IBM. Also do not expect to be able to fight in court for any severance package above the statuary minimum. IBM will provide working notice equal to the required mimumum. t IBM does not provide references for staff, only a record of employment. This is officiial policy (Managers know this), but is not disclosed to employees. Beware as it hinders you when looking for work.

You are competing with IBMers in India who work for approx 9,000 a year for your job!

I personally provided training for my position to IBMers from India. Current policy is that all work must first be 'bid' from low cost center.

Advice to Senior Management

Why not move offshore too?

Pros

IBM is very big on telecommuting. When you decide to take your vacation days they are not heavily scrutinized. There are tons of opportunities to move within IBM. The company and its brand is recognized world wide. The company has an excellent knowledgebase and intranet.

Cons

IBM can be very impersonal. The company is very process driven which can be a plus, but often people use it as an excuse to not do any work. Raises and promotions seem to be non-existant unless you have a good manager or know how to work the system. Not a great place to work if are looking to move quickly in your career.

Advice to Senior Management

They need to stop managing their employees like they are working out of a playbook. It is condescending and provides zero value.