Port Authority of NY & NJ Reviews

Pros

I was given many complicated and challenging projects that had a clear impact on the functions of the region. I also had a lot of contact with management

Cons

The Port Authority was going through some tough financial times when I was working there so there was definitely a sense of worry.

Advice to Senior Management

There is a lot of young talent interested in working for you. Make sure to take advantage of that and continue to hire new talent.

Pros

There is a lot of pride in the Port Authority's history of building and operating big parts of the New York region's most vital infrastructure. Work hours are predictable and the benefit package is excellent. Most people here are good to work with and the level of stress is pretty low.

Cons

The bureaucracy is so paralyzed and so cramped by state politics that getting raises or promotions is extremely difficult if not impossible. These also slow down projects and make it hard to get anything done. Management is extremely hierarchical -- forget about walking into to the office of someone two or three levels above you. Senior management and political appointees can be quite arrogant in dealing with underlings.

Certainly a frustrating fact of life is that state politics can trump rational decision making at the agency. Former Governor Pataki's decision to fund an extravagant new World Trade Center on the backs of commuters is a prime example. In general, thoughtful planning is frequently negated by political expediency, and planning for the region is essentially dead.

Advice to Senior Management

The place needs some new blood, a focus on building up staff capabilities. We lost a lot of talent and experience with early retirement programs. Over the years, the agency has also outsourced much of its planning and engineering capabilities, so there is no long term vision or ability to develop a long term vision, little ability to innovate. New blood could also bring in modern management practices (e.g., open door policies and a flatter hierarchy).

The agency also needs to repair its public image. It needs to become much more transparent, acting as the public's agent instead of instinctively hiding information. When the media raises issues, such as ridiculous overtime payments to police officers, it needs to forcefully and honestly address the issues instead of skating by them.

Pros

Challenges, opportunities and great people up and down the ladder

Cons

On call 24 hours 7 days a week. But, it is worth it.

Advice to Senior Management

Education and Experience are the best teachers and go hand in hand.

Pros

Great Benefits although some have been eliminated or reduced recently.
Lots of different jobs.
Be a small part of something greater. Some great projects for the region!
Great holiday parties!

Cons

Too many patronage jobs.
Jobs are posted to the outside instead of internally or given to political pals
Management is weak, too many managers are brought in from Political appointments and have no clue of the business or the department they manage.

Advice to Senior Management

Senior Management should be true to their words and look at inefficiences and wasteful spending in the agency.

Pros

-Great benefits
-Can come in to work between 7:15 am to 9:15 am any day as long as you put in your 8hs and 45 min.
-Excellent mentoring program
-Good pay. Believe it or not, the pay is above the average for the Summer interns.
-The satisfaction to contribute to the development of the NJ and NY regions
-Ability to take vacation from day 1.
-About 21 days of paid vacation starting the same day of work)
-11 paid holidays
-Excellent health care package.
-Job security

Cons

-Politics. you need the permission of "God" to be able to get something done sometimes.
-Help desk will never fix your computer

Advice to Senior Management

Keep up the good work. You are doing an exceptional job when it comes to the entry level training program.

Pros

Great benefits. The people were so nice and helpful. Whenever I had a question or concern someone was there to help me out.

Cons

The pay is not too great compared to other companies that you would be qualified for. It is a government agency.

Pros

(1) Everyone is willing to talk and work with the interns - it's great.
(2) A lot of hands-on work; no copying.
(3) Very competitive salary.

Cons

(1) Not a great place to stay.

Advice to Senior Management

Make sure interns have work!

Pros

Great pay and health benefits. Pension through the New York State retirement system. Commute to work is subsidized through TansitCheks, employee EZ-Passes are given to all employees. Employees come from a very diverse range of backgrounds and cultures.

Cons

I didn't like working there. A terrible working environment. Many anger management issues among employees, which the agency is trying to address. Management is top-heavy and does not communicate effectively with staff.

Advice to Senior Management

Motivate employees to get technical or project management certifications by rewarding them to do so, instead of rewarding them to not use sick time.
Encourage open discussion among employees and management.
Move people around into challenging assignments, so they are working on new things and with different people. Otherwise, the risk is stagnation and anger management issues.

Pros

Job security, most employees stay with the firm for their whole career. Many opportunities to move around and get exposed to different parts of the business

Cons

Its a job and feels like it. Older employees but the company is working on bringing new talent.

Advice to Senior Management

Establish better communication links between the departments. Bring in a younger and more motivated staff.

Pros

- Very good benefits (particularly in the health respect: dental and medical coverage are excellent)
- Job is stress free and you are out the door by 5 p.m.

Cons

All Management is completely disorientated and ill-prepared, while also keeping lower level employees completing in the dark in decision-making processes

Advice to Senior Management

Management should be more qualifed, should communicate better with employees, and also take into consideration employee's needs and long-term goals.