Growth opportunities difficult w/o a Berkeley MBA or Harvard M.D. - Project Coordinator, Development Genentech Employee Review

4.0
Mar 7, 2010
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Their benefits package is great, salary is competitive and work atmosphere is very supportive and full of people who you enjoy working with, for the most part. That being said, if you don't have an Ivy League degree you'll find it hard to move up in the company unless you are extremely networked and have good relations with management. There are managers and directors who are fully supportive and try to promote you when they see you are ambitious, but there are other managers who try and prevent that. Overall, I very much enjoyed working at Genentech. I would return but not until I have been successful elsewhere.

Cons

Very windy and cold usually. The company is growing so the culture is starting to change and the growth of the company may be its detriment. Hopefully, with the acquisition by Roche, the culture is not damaged too much.

Explore other reviews about Genentech

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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