Great people, just a few bad apples selectively placed can spoil it for long term growth/career
Pros
The Research and Technology center was a rewarding place to grow iniitally. The ISRS and Modern safety management is probably in the upper quartile. Technical service is very challenging with many chances to learn client's processes and TOTAL's internal workings. The stock option purchase plans were great as well as the 401k. 3 weeks vacation at the start was also nice.
Cons
It was all about reports and not about substance: call reports, project reports, monthly reports, weekly reports, telephone call reports and more. The second-hand perception of what a client thought and not what the client was actually thinking was how I was graded. Pretty convoluted! supervisors need training in HR skills. Great technically, but half in supervision are glorified chemists or technologists and should stay in their specialties not in management. EXPAT's are favored over all others. Many felt we were passed over unless we went overseas on assignment. Even those positions were very selective. I only knew one in our group that had been assigned overseas for a couple of years. the pay is capped at the midpoint for petrochemicals and refining industry. the work load increased with minimal bonuses and raises during my tenure.
