Play Hard, Work Really Realy Realy Really Hard
Pros
"The Mills" is a great place to learn and after 2 years I feel that I can look back feel good about what I have accomplished. Many of these accomplishments were the result of some very strong managers whom were comfortable to let me lead a conversation and grow from experience.
Cons
The downside to General Mills is that the Work / Life balance is not what they say it is during the interview process. Putting in 10-12 hrs days, and booking meetings at 6 & 7pm at night are not uncommon. A culture sadly has developed over time where you are rewarded for how long you can stay at the office, and not always how efficient you can become. Equally, the innovation aspect which the company is currently driving towards is also misguided. If you were to ask anyone in the company today, "Is General Mills innovative?", the honest answer would be: "No, but we are great fast followers". While the company is taking great steps to become innovative and bringing in the right people to present on the idea, in the end there are still the same roadblocks and hurdles that have stalled many a great idea in the past.
