Pros
I am an engineering manager with more than five years’ experience at Extron. My responsibilities, in addition to product design, include the hiring of engineering talent in many specialty areas. As part of the talent search process, I occasionally visit web sites such as this one to gain insight and compare some aspects of our environment with that of other companies. Often, I’m surprised at the mediocre-to-low satisfaction ratings given to well-known companies that I had thought would carry a higher reputation among employees and former employees compared to the outward impression many outsiders, like myself, perceive. Thus, in this case, I’m compelled to speak out.
Former employees, and some current employees, dwell on common threads of discontent. The simple truth is that all companies have those. It is no secret that each individual, as part of their own employment goal, is trying to find “a home”. But even home in the most personal sense is not perfect. There are always things one would change – if they could. And, on some occasions, the home just isn’t right. As a hiring manager, my greatest challenge is making the best decision possible based on the interview information and other cues offered by the candidate. The process is similar for the candidate. Extron’s highest priority in the hiring process is the matching of company culture to the candidate’s talent and expectations. Unfortunately, on occasion things don’t work out between both parties after a period of time. Handling this situation, regardless of the dissatisfied party, is the greatest downside to being a manager.
Though individuals may have logical complaints, there is much more to a company workplace environment or career opportunity than the perceived inconvenience of one or two features highlighted by the displaced. Extron is 31 years old and employs hundreds of people with many of them in the Engineering function. We are leaders in the professional audiovisual marketplace – a market that continues to grow at a great pace because of the high profile it occupies as an information display type environment and infrastructure. Extron believes in supporting its customers to the highest extent, which is why I believe that we have experienced high growth and lasting presence even through significant economic instability – like the recent years 2008 to 2009. During the worst periods, we were still hiring and still profitable. Stability and opportunity are two key attributes that most all candidates I talk with are pursuing. Extron’s Engineering structure is designed to offer work variety as well as stability and opportunity.
Most of my past experience in product design has focused on product cost. Historically, engineers are burdened with cost decisions trumping better design practices. I’m proud to say that, while cost is not ignored, it is never the final deciding factor in product design in this company. Extron focuses on high performance quality and reliability. Cost comes in third. I always feel satisfied that the decisions we make in this engineering group are done for the right reasons… both for us as a company and for our customers. That kind of thinking and attitude is the foundation of great products, companies, and individuals. It’s something most want to be a part of.
So, as you read these reviews, think farther beyond the written word. There are always two sides to every story. I don’t take pride in the fact that a small percentage of disappointed individuals write in to complain. For your benefit, look carefully at what the company produces and what it stands for. Talk to people who work there. When you’re looking for a good home, it deserves more than average consideration. And, your decision should not hinge on the minor grievances of a small group.
I do know that the rest of us here in Extron Engineering are too busy to sit and write reviews; but in the interest of our own ability to continue attracting the best people, perhaps we should spend the time to “toot our own horn”. I think we build great products in a well-funded, stable environment and I’m proud of that.
Cons
Balancing priorities among many different projects in a very competitive industry environment. The commercial industrial market is now driven more by consumer technology on short life cycles, which raises the short term expectations of our customers.
