Top 25 companies for career opportunities

Glassdoor recently released its list of the Top 25 Companies for Career Opportunities. The survey collects employee reviews of some the best reasons to work for their employer, some of the downsides, and asks employees to provide feedback to upper mangement.Glassdoor determined each company’s career opportunities according to the cumulative average from employees who participated in the survey between Aug. 27, 2012, and Aug. 26, 2013. Click through to see which companies made the list. Three Massachusetts-based companies made the cut, including two in the top 10. Click through to find out which local companies made the list and how employees rank their career opportunities. (Reviews were ranked on a 5-point scale, with 4.01-5 being very satisfied and 0 to 1.5 being very dissatisfied).

25. Fluor, Irving, Texas

Rating: 3.7Recent review by: Process/Specialty Engineer III (Current employee), HoustonPros: “High priority is placed on employee development. A great place to work if you are a self motivated individual. If not, also a great place to work. Lots of resources for development whether it is technical or non technical. Lots of opportunity to advance your career.’’Cons: “Work location is not as central as I would prefer. Commute is long.’’Advice to senior management: “Keep up the good work!’’Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend: “I’m optimistic about the outlook for this company’’

24. Chevron, San Ramon, Calif.

Rating: 3.7Recent review by: Drilling IT professional (current employee), HoustonPros: “People-oriented company that relies on their employees to make decisions. Plenty of room to advance and apply for jobs internally rather than look outside. 9/80 work schedules with great bonus plan and annual salary raises. Ergonomics and people programs are real and not just someone going through the motions. Tenants of Operation are part of everyday work and fully endorsed by management 1st class atmosphere to work in.’’Cons: “CPDEP process can drag out projects. Normal big company standards and procedures.’’Advice to senior management: “Streamline project management and make tough decisions from the top down to help employees get the job done.’’Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend: “I’m optimistic about the outlook for this company’’

23. H E B, San Antonio, Texas

Rating: 3.7Recent review by: Deli associate (current employee), Missouri City, TexasPros: “The company makes you feel like family. They train you for management positions. The pay and flexibility. The opportunity to transfer anywhere throughout Texas and US. The benefits. The positions available for promotions.’’Cons: “The everyday discriminatory, unforgiving, overworked managers.’’Advice to senior management: “More ethical and communication trainings.’’Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend: “I’m optimistic about the outlook for this company’’

22. GE, Fairfield, Conn.

Rating: 3.7Recent review by: Software Distribution and Asset Management Engineer (Current employee), CincinnatiPros: “Management listens to employees and seem to honestly want feedback. There are a lot of opportunities for growth and advancement. The company is very willing to send you to training classes that target the career goals you have in mind. You will most likely get Six Sigma and Leadership training within the first 1 to 2 years of being on the job. Also may opportunities for technical training if you speak with your manager.’’Cons: “Sometimes it may seem as if you have more than one job.’’Advice to senior management: “Provide a better benefits package.’’Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend: “I’m optimistic about the outlook for this company’’

21. Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati

Rating: 3.7Recent review by: Brand manager (current employee), location unknownPros: “Huge investment in people development. Great variety of assignments, products, geographies… great values – you are treated right.’’Cons: “It’s a big machine. Process oriented – it’s needed, but can be a barrier to creativity and making things happen. Career progression can take a while.’’Advice to senior management: “Rebalanced the risk profile – encourage people to be more bold and take risks.’’Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend: “I’m optimistic about the outlook for this company’’

20. L&T, Mumbai, India

Rating: 3.7Recent review by: Assistant manager (former employee), Rājahmundry, IndiaPros: “Invaluable training and exposure to the best practices, reasonably good pay, and best facilities provided. Growth can be quick if you can take up challenges and prove yourself.’’Cons: “Bureaucracy and corruption are unchecked and there is lot of politics at construction site level. If you are lucky enough to get good people then work life will be great. For straightforward people it could get depressing.’’Advice to senior management: “Need your own Ombudsman and accessibility for every employee to be able to complain without fear.’’Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend: “I’m optimistic about the outlook for this company’’

19. Gartner, Stamford, Conn.

Rating: 3.7Recent review by: Account executive (current employee), Fort Myers, Fla.Pros: “The training provided is next to none and gives new employees the tools to hit the ground running. Coming from a larger corporation, the culture here is a breath of fresh air. Everyone is ambitious and smart with a drive to do more. Friendly competition and collaboration is a staple of the everyday Gartner day and team outings and quarterly incentives puts Gartner a step above the rest. The Fort Myers office is brand new with state of the art technology and strong senior leadership.’’Cons: “Fort Myers is a little slow, so finding something fun to do takes some work.’’Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend: “I’m optimistic about the outlook for this company’’Rating: 3.7Recent review by: Account Executive (Current employee), Fort Myers, FloridaPros: “The training provided is next to none and gives new employees the tools to hit the ground running. Coming from a larger corporation, the culture here is a breath of fresh air. Everyone is ambitious and smart with a drive to do more. Friendly competition and collaboration is a staple of the everyday Gartner day and team outings and quarterly incentives puts Gartner a step above the rest. The Fort Myers office is brand new with state of the art technology and strong senior leadership.’’Cons: “Fort Myers is a little slow, so finding something fun to do takes some work.’’Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend: “I’m optimistic about the outlook for this company’’

18. Synygy, Chester, Pa.

Rating: 3.7Recent review by: Anonymous employee (current employee), location unkownPros: “A lot of emphasis put on teamwork; great mentorship program, really helpful especially for new employees; unique work environment, with events and values that you won’t find anywhere else.’’Cons: “PFA payment is not a great idea.’’Advice to senior management: “Get rid of the PFA, offer more opportunities for growth.’’Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend: “I’m optimistic about the outlook for this company’’

17. Northwestern Mutual, Milwaukee

Rating: 3.8Recent review by: Financial representative (former employee), West Palm Beach, Fla.Pros: “You will learn how to build your book of business. You will learn how to manage your time for maximum efficiency and productivity. You will choose who you want to do business with. You will learn how to communicate and gather important information from clients so you can provide custom tailored solutions to them.’’Cons: “You’re expected to be at a morning meeting at 7:30 every day and review publicly what you’ve accomplished regarding your stated goals. If your manager requires you to book 4 new appointments a day, you will call until you do so. Like it or not, everyone’s production numbers are posted system wide every month.’’Advice to senior management: “Have more informal events where new and experienced agents can interact.’’Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend: “I’m optimistic about the outlook for this company’’

16. Eaton, Cleveland

Rating: 3.8Recent review by: Leadership Development Program (current employee), Beltsville, Md.Pros: “A focus on ethics. Eaton makes this a priority, and it shows: the culture here is that we always act ethically. Opportunities: being large and diverse, there is always room for lateral or vertical moves, regardless of the economy. If you are talented, you’ll have a job here. A common vision: “powering business worldwide’’ isn’t just a tagline, it defined what we do. No matter where you go within Eaton, the focus is always on providing efficient power management needs for our customers.’’Cons: “A true corporation. If you don’t want to be a cog in a big institution, look elsewhere. It can be frustrating trying to effect change, due to the large size and top-down management. In the aerospace group, there has been a lot of organizational shift lately, which makes it difficult to consistently perform at the plant-level.’’Advice to senior management: “Spend some time at your various sites, helping them to better understand the role the play in the bigger organization,.’’

15. Deloitte, New York City

Rating: 3.8Recent review by: Anonymous employee (former employee), San FranciscoPros: “Challenging Projects, Opportunities to lead teams very early in your career. Ever-changing environment so flexibility is a must!’’Cons: “Work/life balance can be an issue.’’

14. Ernst & Young, London

Rating: 3.8Recent review by: Anonymous employee (current employee), ChicagoPros: “Great place to start your career. Organized training program and onboarding process. The company talks the talk and walks the walk when it comes to people first culture with flexibility and mobility.’’Cons: “As it is a public accounting firm, non-assurance service lines are still somewhat ran as assurance service line. Technology is a bit behind compared to its competitors.’’Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend: “I’m optimistic about the outlook for this company’’

13. Cameron International, Houston

Rating: 3.8Recent review by:Engineer II (current employee), HoustonPros: “Cameron has an excellent set of core values. These values spread across all divisions and flows down through the ranks. Cameron demonstrates that they care about every employee. One manifestation of this is Cameron’s growing wellness program. Cameron also has nearly an endless opportunity for learning and mobility within the company. They are focused on the employees career and give plenty of opportunity for growth. Management understands that every employee has career goals and Cameron is not one to stand in the way of those goals. If that’s not enough, they have a great benefits package.’’Cons: “Cameron still has some older employees who are stuck in their ways. They inhibit the eager creativity, innovation, excellence and growth of younger employees.’’Advice to senior management: “Let your employees think for themselves, express their ideas in a positive, welcoming environment, and give concern to their personal lives.’’

12. UniFirst, Wilmington, Mass.

Rating: 3.8Recent review by:Regional sales manager (current employee), Orlando, Fla.Pros: “Achievements and hard work acknowledged. Upward and lateral mobility. My opinion matters and my work ethic is matched by upper management. Compensation, car allowance, stocks and health benefits.’’Cons: “All locations are not run the same. Service teams and sales teams need to work closer together. Don’t allow mediocre middle managers to remain in position. Have clear and measurable expectations to get them on the right path or out the door.’’Advice to senior management: “Cross train service and sales teams at the same meetings. Get more involved in ‘the trenches.’’’Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend: “I’m optimistic about the outlook for this company’’

11. CareerBuilder, Chicago

Rating: 3.9Recent review by:Client support specialist (current employee), Norcross, Ga.Pros: “A great learning enviroment, management that actually care and share in your career growth strategies, outstanding benefits and perks.’’Cons: “No cons. You get what you put into it.’’Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend: “I’m optimistic about the outlook for this company’’

10. PwC, New York City

Rating: 3.9Recent review by: Experienced audit associate (current employee), San Jose, Calif.Pros: “If you like variety, PwC is the place to be. You have a great number of opportunities in both audit and advisory roles, and if you challenge yourself, you can grow your career here.’’Cons: “With so much field work, it is often difficult to forge relationships within the firm itself. A lot of the firm initiatives tend to be underserved due to this, things like the coaching/buddy system. Also, the hours are as challenging as one would imagine (but most managers and above do more than pay lip service to firm Flexibility).’’Advice to senior management: “Someone within each market really needs to take a lead role in building better intra-office communication and ensuring that firm initiatives are being handled in a more meaningful way. Also, if you’re going to invest so much time and energy in new products like Spark, there needs to be a more effective strategy for getting firm members to learn and utilize the [product].’’Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend: “I’m optimistic about the outlook for this company’’

9. Schlumberger, Houston

Rating: 3.9Recent review by: Field engineer (current employee), Location unknownPros: “Unlimited career opportunities, working in a nice, multicultural environment with some very awesome people, opportunity to see the world and of course nice pay.’’Cons: “Sometimes overloaded work and there are rarely some worthless people you meet that you say how the hell do they keep such a person in a company like this.’’Advice to senior management: “Always have some time for your employees.’’Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend: “I’m optimistic about the outlook for this company.’’

8. Four Seasons, Toronto

Rating: 4.0Recent review by: Director, (current employee), TorontoPros: “The company has always taken care of it’s employees and always strives to do the right thing. This company always lends an opportunity for development and very willing to let you try new things you’d never otherwise get to in other companies.’’Cons: “Small company, limited availability for senior roles in certain disciplines, although, that will change.’’Advice to senior management: “Find a way to keep the culture.’’Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend: “I’m optimistic about the outlook for this company’’

7. Suncor, Calgary, Alberta

Rating: 4.0Recent review by: Project manager (current employee), Calgary, AlbertaPros: “Suncor provides limitless opportunities to learn and tremendous leverage to define one’s role and grow in one’s career. This does not mean only promotion in ranks/titles necessarily, but the personal journey to become the best or indispensable in one’s chosen field.’’Cons: “Performance review and succession planning processes, although well defined, are not employed consistently and may not have good transparency. This can be unfair to many good performers who are not proficient in organizational politics.’’Advice to senior management: “Stop making so many and frequent organizational changes. Once an orgnaizational or operating model has been established, give it some time to work before jumping on to the next.’’Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend: “I’m optimistic about the outlook for this company’’

6. Booz & Company, New York City

Rating: 4.0Recent review by: Principal, (urrent employee), Location unknownPros: “Top-notch people, access to the best leaders in industry, ability to be very entrepreneurial, willingness to advance early on performance, deep functional expertise in addition to superstar MBAs.’’Cons: “Very relationship-based, sometimes hard for people to fit into our culture easily.’’

5. Edelman, Chicago

Rating: 4.1Recent review by: Vice president (current employee), San Mateo, Calif.Pros: “Really smart, creative people and plentiful opportunities to develop and build a career, large, global network with many practices areas, high quality of work.’’Cons: “Probably not the best place for people who need hand holding or can’t keep up with the quick pace.’’Advice to senior management: “Continue to open up work life balance working options to support your hard working people.’’Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend: “I’m optimistic about the outlook for this company’’

4. Guidewire, Foster City, Calif.

Rating: 4.4Recent review by: Worldwide recruitment business partner (current employee), Foster City, Calif.Pros: “Teamwork – low politics – great bosses who support you – opportunity. A supportive environment where you can push the envelope and if you fail, it is a learning opportunity, but you are pushed to the limits. Marcus Ryu and our executive Management team. The people – everyone is someone I would buy lunch for and learn from. Hard work but we work together. And best of all, a REAL product that changes people’s lives – our product helps insurance companies process claims in lightning speed – so those who hold policies are paid sooner, get back to their lives in record time, and get great customer service. This isn’t vaporware. This is 100% about Customer Satisfaction.’’Cons: “Being a smaller company and covering 7+ time zones with 46% of our business outside the US – it is challenging. Incredibly challenging work – there is other company’s expectations and pace, and then there is Guidewire’s expectations. 150% use of your faculties all the time’’Advice to senior management: “All of our management works as hard or harder than we do, so I never feel like I am asked to do anything that is harder than their load. Keep up the great work. These are the ‘good old days.’’’Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend: “I’m optimistic about the outlook for this company’’

3. McKinsey & Co., New York City

Rating: 4.5Recent review by: Business analyst (former employee), Location unknownPros: “Great place to start your career. Amazing training in all the core business functions. Broad exposure to different companies, industries, and functional areas.’’Cons: “Work not always meaningful; too often the work product does not lead to meaningful change for the client. Hours & travel can take a toll.’’Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend: “I’m optimistic about the outlook for this company’’

2. Boston Consulting Group, Boston

Rating: 4.5Recent review by: Principal (current employee), Location unknownPros: “Access to business executives. Very strong training program: analytics, presenting, slide writing, managing client relationships. Consistent, 360 feedback culture. Typical 2-year track to move to next level. Rigorous, clear, and common job reviews provided during / after each project. Exposure to many different industries and business functions. Excellent comp and benefits, especially at the lower levels in comparison with similar opportunities.’’Cons: “Typically extensive travel. Long hours (always 60 hours+ per week). Many short projects (<5 weeks), which are exhausting “sprints’’ and often prevent the development of strong client relationships or team bonding. Forced rotation among managers can mean exposure to great managers and poor managers with little to no choice. Rotation among projects & managers requires consistent getting up to speed on managers’ styles; may not click and can lead to poor reviews. Some offices have fewer long-term or large clients, forcing a very exhausting, consistent sales culture. Interview process only moderately successful at forecasting employee performance. Verbal focus on work-life balance, but in practice, depends greatly on the client, the type of project, and most importantly your manager. Again, unusual to have <60 hour work weeks, and will generally involve travel. Some offices are very travel heavy, while others have more local work.’’

1. Bain & Co., Boston

Rating: 4.5Recent review by: First year consultant (current employee), ChicagoPros: “The work is engaging and nearly everyone you work with is brilliant. Lots of effort put into personal development and growth. People really care about you, and the atmosphere is more collaborative than competitive.’’Cons: “Bain, like all consulting, has highly variable work. Sometimes it’s very, very busy, other times it’s not. The problem is that planning for it is very difficult. You can rarely commit to things outside of work more than 1-2 days in advance, if at all.’’Advice to senior management: “Keep valuing people above everything else, it really shows.’’Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend: “I’m optimistic about the outlook for this company’’