Wow! What a cluster this place is, especially since the takeover
Pros
-Acquired by an intelligent company (Novartis) who actually know what they are doing -Started giving Friday afternoons off in the summer (although only to exec level it seemed) -If you like boring, this is the place for you -Don't need a college degree -Do some community work -leader in eye care
Cons
-Sr Management and executive leadership fight constantly with Novartis. Alcon is having a very hard time since prior owners were very hands off. Since bought by Novartis it is kind of like the story of the simple cowboy that went to Europe; he thinks he knows what he is doing, but in reality the Europeans feel rather awkward and nervous with the naive cowboy waving his gun. -Campus is surrounded by the ghetto of Ft Worth. There is a reason why the execs and Europeans live in Westlake & Trophy club. -Ft. Worth is this place's achilles heal. I repeat, this place would be 1000 times better if it were located in a better place other than south of Ft Worth and did not have to rely on the local rednecks as resources. It is 1.5 hrs from Dallas so they have a really hard time getting people to commit to working there. - Their projects are pretty much run by their partners. They seem to care very little about employees and would rather pump millions into the coffers of consulting companies than elevate their own employees - Lots of thick southern accents. It feels a bit hillbilly-ish at times. - (This is a pro for some) Very much in favor of hiring minorities/woman (even over better qualified non-minorities males). I guess they have quotas. - Very sales driven to the extent that only the top 1% are celebrated. - Very very very very very very very slow to change -Reputation is somewhat spotty in the metroplex - If they want to work you 60 hours/week do not be surprised - High turnover of people - Does not hire the best and brightest but leans towards locals and people they know
