A broad landscape of mediocrity in support departments - IT Engineer Genentech Employee Review

2.0
Feb 27, 2010
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Good benefits - Working for a good cause - Reasonable work hours (almost too reasonable--often witnessed management leaving for "offsites" on the golf course or in a bar before 3PM)

Cons

In IT, there was often the case of the "blind leading the blind" going all the way to the VP level. More time was spent thinking about which "motivational speaker" (interpret this as you will) to bring in next and re-classify/re-orient the staff instead of improving the accountability (which is SORELY lacking despite what some might have you think), and rewarding the top achievers. Generally, the support departments appeared to suffer from: - Unfair playing fields - Hypocritical management policies - Inflated sense of entitlement by middle and upper management - Lack of respect for people who actually get the work done

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5.0
Jul 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great culture and work environment.

Cons

PhD is necessary oftentimes for advancement.

3.0
May 7, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Genentech's origin story and mission are genuinely inspiring — few companies can point to such a meaningful historical arc in medicine. Patient engagement is taken seriously and feels authentic, not performative. The campus is beautiful and the culture has real warmth.

Cons

DDA is operating with significant gaps. First, the foundational data infrastructure is not mature enough to support the ambitions being set for the team. Second, the measurement culture has gotten ahead of the methodology, and no one in a position of authority seems to be asking hard questions about whether the numbers actually mean what they're being presented as meaning. Third, some management feel disconnected from the work itself, lacking the knowledge, hands-on experience, or relevant credentials. Individually any one of these would be manageable. Together these create an environment where it's hard to do rigorous work, rather work is performative, and be recognized for it.

3
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