Pros
Very entrepreneurial: I find that when I have suggestions to improve current processes, or implement new processes, I am provided with opportunity to make those a reality. Values its talent: I began my career with Sandoz as a contractor where I had the opportunity to work with colleagues cross functionally. After seven or eight months, the organization began to seek roles which could serve as a next step/development opportunity for me. In my ninth month I had the opportunity to interview for my current role where I have opportunities to work with brilliant minds across the division, including our Senior Executive Committee. Culture: Although, of course, this can vary departmentally (individually, even), the culture at Sandoz is one of the reasons I am most happy here. There is a true sense of collaboration, encouraged by our open concept floor plan. Each time I leave a meeting, I've learned at least one new thing, and have been reminded how fortunate I am to work with some of the most brilliant minds in the industry. They are also some of the most driven, and hard-working individuals I've had the pleasure of working with, and they are eager to bring value, not just to the company, but to our patients as well. Work hard, play hard: The company sponsors various activities throughout the year which encourage all associates and contractors to come together and enjoy food, drinks and dancing. During holiday breaks, associates are also encouraged to disconnect and refresh, instead of being tied to their phones and computers. Outstanding facilities: Although grabbing a conference room can sometimes be a challenge on busy weeks, the facilities here are gorgeous and state-of-the-art. The grounds are well maintained, the cafeteria is the best I've ever experienced, and the facilities team is always open to hearing ideas for improvement, and quick to implement them where and when possible.
Cons
I'll re-title this "challenges," as I don't think "Cons" is an accurate title for my two-cents in this subject: Adjustment to open-space: While the open-space environment does encourage a collaborative environment, if you haven't worked in a concept like this before, it can be a bit of an adjustment. You have to learn how to face rejection of impromptu meetings if someone does not have the time for you the minute you walk up to his/her desk, and also how to do the rejecting if you are swamped with someone and are being approached for an impromptu meeting. On the bright side, everyone faces this challenge, so you get used to it quickly. Work-life balance: This is a challenge at any company, especially when you are new because you are unsure of the expectation. Fortunately, Sandoz offers flexible working hours, and many people managers are comfortable with employees working from home when necessary. The downside to this kind of flexibility is that there is no true standard - and as such, new employees often feel unsure of what time to be in and what time is appropriate to leave the office. A good solution to this is to set expectations as to your availability and work hours with your supervisor-to-be in your interview, and then stick to it. There are of course times where you may need to be in earlier or stay later for a meeting, but for the most part, work-life balance is only a challenge because certain people let it be a challenge. Fast-paced environment: I actually love the pace of the environment here. It is extremely fast, faster than anything I had experienced prior, but I would be bored with anything else. For a brand new employee who has not yet worked in this type of environment it can be a bit daunting, but my suggestion and advice would be: "Don't panic!" Shift gears as necessary, and don't be afraid to ask questions. You may get thrown into the thick of it right away depending on your function's onboarding process, but people will know you are new, and we all know there is a learning curve. Before you know it, you’ll love the pace as much as the rest of us, so, “don’t panic!”