i am very excited:-) what do you think of the company? would you rather go for IBM or Roche?
if you had to chose? good luck to all job seekers!!
what kind of job?
I got dinged from Roche Bros when I was 14 for a bagger job when I was too young to work.
Both are Finance/Accounting related jobs. I am quite young, straight after collage with only two years of related job experience. I am wondering in which company, IBM or Roche, there is a better future for an ambitious person for whom career has just started. I can add that the Roche’s compensation is much better.
you didnt tell us what ur ambitions are.
ancientmtk Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > you didnt tell us what ur ambitions are. +1 Give us a description of each position and then tell us what you would like to be doing with your career.
If you’re looking to break into Wall Street, I would say neither.
Roche are superstars. But yet it depends if there is a difference in the jobs, that will make the biggest difference. Plus they are kinda recession resistant, and they have shown double digit growth in EPS and sales for 2009, so that aint half bad in my books!
no, I’m not trying to break into Wall Street. I am originally from Eastern Europe who actually finished her studies in the City, lived there, seen it all, was working there for the past two years (for a middle size investment group), and I am more or less over this not judging anyone, because I myself love NYC and I still think it’s once of the best places to develop your career in finance, however there is World outside Wall Street… at least for me, for now. I am more into international business at the moment, and I would prefer to always have an opportunity to deal with International Business setting. my last employer didn’t have such possibility. I think working for a corporations such as Roche is a good way to ensure that style of work. it’s just much more fun – to travel, experience the World, cultures, having the possibility to work in different countries, learn about their market situations, job rotations. I want to experience it all while I’m still young, not attached to anyone, or any particular place in the World. I want to develop myself in all possible areas of business. that’s the reason as why I was hardly trying to get into fortune 500 for the past three months. I am proud of myself. my dreams are coming true. got accepted into two amazing companies with so many possibilities:-) so today, I have accepted the job offer from Roche. the reason as why I picked the company over IBM was: - compensation - security – pharma and diagnostics companies seems to be much more loyal to its employees. - financial situation – both companies are doing amazingly great for the moment, however medical firms are safer than IT firms in bad economy. - industry – this one was hard, since both are fascinating. both are growing which definitely do well in globalized economy. - responsibilities - at Roche I will be responsible for the whole region, while at IBM it would be only responsible for one country. - working hours – Roche got very fixed hours, while at IBM I would be working around the clock. I am very career oriented with a very active lifestyle outside my work 
I need time for myself, for CFA, for meeting friends – otherwise I get lost. - work place – Roche’s office is just the most beautiful office I have ever seen I am a girl; I like having pretty work place. - the whole interview process – Roche’s first impression was definitely much better - supporting of further educational programs – Roche is very into it, while IBM wasn’t sure. And I could go on, and go on
So…how do you look like?
" am originally from Eastern Europe who actually finished her studies in the City" Female from eastern europe… HELLO!!!
i am guessing either hungary or slovenia - could be croatian.
wrong guess! so IBM has just called me again with a higher salary offer. i am confused more than ever for the moment 
both companies are great! and never thought, i will have to decide between such two prestigious corporations. please, i very much need your advice… which company would you rather go for? and once i start working in September, I’ll tell you where I’m from
She’s Polish.
she is from bulgaria and i am willing to bet my 401K on that. as to answer your question, i’d pick IBM because it will keep your scope broader than Roche. you can get into strategic consulting via IBM - those guys can climb up the ladder. at Roche you will be doing some reserach on mice reaction to baking soda.
I would definitely pick the IBM Position. “Responsible for a whole region rather than a country” sounds like a marketing or sales job. Anyways IBM on your resume will open more doors for you in the future because there are more hiring managers whose more familiar with IBM than Roche. Also I would get an MBA instead of a CFA if you are more interested in internatinal business and not finance. As such, B-school admins will look more favorable towards IBM than Roche if you are interested in a MBA.
Based on all the CS people I know at IBM, and others. IBM hands down is the choice, if you are young and ambitious, that is as long as you like the “big-blue” culture. IBM is very results driven, but the ambitious people I hear over there can fly up the charts quick time.
I’ll give you some insightful advice as a Wall Street insider if you tell us what your height, weight, and hair color are. Thanks.
stratosfear13 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I am originally from Eastern Europe … Govorish po russki? If yes, then very likely from the former USSR.