Training is slow and subject to staff availability and business need, most departments deemed understaffed by employees but staffing levels are restricted by headcount. High staff turnover in some depts. Depending on the department, you will be trained eventually when they want/have the time to train you. Cliquey but not usually a problem. May be cross-trained in other departments, may or may not be informed first before transfer to a different department. May still be required to work in previous department throughout cross-training in new department, as there is a lack of experienced technicians due to sick leave or staff on holidays. Lack of career opportunities. It may be difficult to rise up the ranks so to speak, unless the ones above you leave the job. If you apply to a different department when you are fully trained in your current, your application may be blocked by your manager because you are needed in your current department and it is expensive and takes time to replace you with an untrained new employee. For diversity and inclusion- I have not witnessed racism myself (at least not overtly), but one or two ethnic minority employees say they have, unfortunately this is not unusual in most companies so don't let this stop you from applying. Depending on the department, if you do not show a strong willingness to do overtime, you are 'blacklisted' by the management, or so I have been told by employees and this may or may not affect future opportunities you are given. Overall, I would not recommend a friend to work here, but if you really need a non-scientific job; with a can-do, personable attitude; can commit to overtime and repetitive often physical tasks (depending on department), you are generally well compensated at MSD.
