Q&A With Genentech Employees

Wonderful.

Once I clock out I stop thinking about work

Gym, commuter, sleeping pod.

Medical, insurance, sabbatical every 6 years, pet insurance, discounts on Roche meds (if you or anyone on your insurance takes them)

I haven't been able to define it but so far it's accepting.

Currently it’s about the “Agile” perspective. It’s now about you being agile; it’s about Roche. The company has become hierarchical over the past 5 years. To many Indian chiefs without a single decision maker. Everything is being evaluated. With that said, it’s what you make it

Don't admit any past mistakes, no matter how trivial. Don't come across as a "strong personality".

Expect multiple enterviews and panel interviews. They are behavioral based and you’re expected to respond in a SMART method

Need a strong technical foundation. Need to be a culture fit.

A week is typical with interviews schedules each day including panels.

Generally start with a phone screen by HR, then a call with the hiring manager, then full day onsite of interviews.

Weeks

When it comes to gender, ethnic, identity diversity, Genentech is outstanding. But, all of these people come from the same 3-4 places, so there isn't much real diversity in thinking.

Extreme

Genentech embraced employee diversity and viewed it as a goal and priority among our employees.

Moderately common? Depends on needs; sometimes specialties don't allow for it, though it can and does happen.

It's not common and it's very difficult

Not the norm, but there are multiple instances of people switching departments as well as teams

Find a good Admin and get as much information as possible. Find solid people who are at a similar level, as well as a couple steps above and below, and get as mush information as possible. It's a large campus, so use the maps to try and familiarize yourself with the different buildings and what department is where. Find all the walking pathways so can do assessments of whether you will be faster on a shuttle or walking.

Don’t trust anybody

Depends on the department... there are a few on campus, but the research areas it would violate regulatory regulations as well as potentially be unsafe

No pets allowed

As an Admin - it's not. You are expected to be onsite every day; some departments offer some flexibility, however that is quite slim w/ Admins.

The home office hours are 8-5. I usually work past that at work or home. Being agile means smaller numbers expected to get the job done (just enough )

Depends on the department - if you are an Admin or someone who works heavily in the labs, it's just not possible.

It depends on what’s going on and your manager. In commercial it varies from never to Friday’s weekly.

Rather robust. Though HR will actively try to only bring on "pretty" people; if you aren't super attractive, they will bury your resume.

Commercial Candidates are selected from top Ivy League schools only. They get jobs given to them that last 18 months and then they’re promoted to other positions as a preferential candidate. If you’re not from a top school you may be able to enter the operations side.

Grueling but great.

Positive and enlightening

Highly technical questions relevant to the position, and then behavioral questions

Too many to list. Mostly situational questions.

Department heads, people would directly and indirectly support. Genentech generally ghosts, instead of giving any response.

I met with reps, managers and VP’s. I hear back in three days.

Slacks/skirt and a nice blouse... don't need to go full suit, but nicer than leggings and a t-shirt.

Professional clothing.

Had to do with time zones; was challenging because of time zones for different countries can be complicated when not looking at a chart or the like.

There were so many!

Medium. Wasn't the worst, but can tell it's still a boys' club and Admins are seen as slightly better than status symbols.

Difficult. In depth. But so worth it when you get hired.

less chit-chat

Smart, friendly, presentable people.

Knowing the right people or getting an internship.

Not sure but most likely.

Depends on your department but I've seen business to casual

It was purchased by Roche, so it will be around for awhile. If this were 20 years ago and more options in companies, they would be dead.

Frenetic - there's regularly more work than people to do it