Pros

Travel abroad: one of the main reasons I joined Total was the opportunity to see the world. International mobility is a prerequisite for anyone considering working for Total.
Work/life balance is quite good at Total....I've never seen a project get sacrificed for someone's summer 5-week vacation!

Cons

Coming from the ex-Total group (remember that Total purchased Fina then Elf), the new group certainly has the 'critical mass' to compete with its industry peers, but the overall level of responsibility for a given experience level has dropped dramatically compared to pre-merger days.
It is felt by the majority of those coming from the ex-Total employees that we have entered into more of a 'study group' where much time and $ is spent on studies for 'studies sake'.
- The company plays well the 'monopoly' on french-based employees: as they have a job for life (excepting any gross professional misconduct), the salary reflects that point and as a result is much lower than any non-French oil company.

Advice to Senior Management

The world is getting smaller....don't think that the younger employees will not jump ship for quicker opportunities for management versus the 'job for life mentality'.....