Pros
Genentech is an excellent place to start your career. They provide great Health Benefits and exposure to highly intelligent colleagues! There are many opportunities for professional and career development including networking within a diverse and inclusive employee base. Managers are very concerned about their employees and provide support for making lateral moves. Employees are encouraged to maintain worklife balance. Many amenities are available on campus such as an onsite gym, subsidized cafetarias, shuttles & carpooling opportunities. I have found it easy to access top leadership with any concerns. And there is an excellent tuition reimbursement program which is utilized by many employees.
Cons
The company is growing at a very fast pace and sometimes it is hard to keep up with everything that is going on. Also the impending Roche takeover might spell the end of the Genentech culture.The Genentech culture is very important towards sustaining the creativity and productivity of the employees. It is hard to determine whether Roche will be able to provide a similar environment specially in the current economy.