Portland General Electric reviews

PGE is in the middle of revamping several key areas of their IT ecosystem with decidedly mixed results. I was part of a new data science team that is led by management who believes intimidation, micromanagement, and fear are the best tools to achieve results. Strategy and tactics are often confused, creating an environment where there is a lack of shared vision. Meandering projects with moving goalposts lead to burnout and frustration. There are some outstanding contributors on these teams with great technical skills and thoughtful ideas who, unfortunately, are rarely listened to. Instead, a heavy-handed approach, where employees are distrusted rules. Technical development and documentation is downplayed in favor of endless Powerpoint presentations that will take up 25-50% of your time. I've literally seen managers take control of keyboards from employees at their desks so they can edit docs and emails while the employee helplessly looks on. In short, employees are not trusted to do their jobs and are constantly second guessed leading to an environment of uncertainty and doubt.

Upper level management is completely disengaged in the grassroots. As such, many who quickly rise through the ranks are primarily people who surround themselves with yes-men and are good at perception management whether or not their competencies back that up. Very many of them are smart, likable white men who are incompetent leaders. The company boasts about its 20% of women on the board of directors and that women make $1.03 to each $1 that men make but this is primarily because women and people of color at PGE are underemployed. Other than the CEO there are very few women and people of color in management tracks and director roles except in more traditionally female and administrative leadership areas like HR/Admin/Legal. Those diverse leaders and managers who are there tend to be more qualified than their typically affable white male bosses and are promoted and advanced less quickly. If you have leadership skills and expereince to back it up, go elsewhere. You have options. You will advance more quickly and your talents will be more appreciated than at PGE.