@1dro
I pity Ford too. SMH
14 replies (most recent on top)
So basically to summarize -
- Ford should be the LAST company you should be joining.
- If you got an offer from NO OTHER company, please join Ford.
- In an unfortunate case that you WILL have to join Ford, DO NOT STAY after Year 3.
I do not agree with the "whichever company you join, things will be as bad as Ford" syndrome. I have worked for 6 OEMs in my 31 years, and I would put Ford right at the bottom of the pile by far- #6. The only place where I would put it #3 or 4 is salary- rest everything is #6.
We get this question a lot but it's always good to keep revisiting it. If you come into the company with a good degree from a preferred university in your field, you could set yourself up for choice assignments and the corresponding experience- then get the heck out after 3-4. Above and beyond everything else, you'll need to differentiate the garbage Ford centric "good experience" as your supervisor will tag it and what will really be valued in the industry. So many just sit back waiting for the next silly Partnership conversation or rotation when they should be much more proactive. If you do this, you'll be destined to become marginalized in a hurry. Remember management wants nothing more than to give you what nobody else wants/what's irrelevant to make it easy on them while making themselves look good. Wherever you end up you'll need to take some risks, which might include pi----g people off. But in the end it's your career and it's a long one.
What degree does the poster have and what area is he/she applying? IT? Engineering? UAW? FCG Program? Contract? Finance? Is this person from
the area in Michigan or out of state?
You want some motherhood and apple pie? No job is perfect, no boss is perfect, no company is perfect, no industry/country/religion is perfect.
So heres the deal, if Ford is the only company you get an offer from, go for it. As some people mentioned here, it will make you sick, but hey the Ford medical insurance is great, eh! You will deal with cr@p all day, but the pay is good, eh!
If you have offers from two or more companies I am almost sure the other company, on a relative basis, be better than Ford.
As others have said, it depends on what you want out of your career and who you work for. Some managers will attempt to help you build on your career and others will throw you into the deep end and hope you don’t drown. I worked at other companies before Ford and did not find a perfect company so don’t let the negative feedback about Ford deter you. Although the things you read here are true! If you want broader and deeper knowledge with more mentoring look for a position at a mid size or smaller company. If you don’t mind finding your way in the dark while gaining a little bit of knowledge about many positions look for a position at a larger company.
A lot of that depends on what your expectations and who you work for? Do they have your interest in mind when they pick a rotation for you. In my case 25+yrs. If it were not for the benefits I would have left long ago. But also I did meet some very good and very bad people too. In working at other companies you will find the same situations. Its all in what you want out of you career?
Go for it. Let us all know how that goes.
Agree with others
It is not a good place long term
I would question if it is a good place short term, as unless you are strong willed you will develop bad habits and learn how to do things incorrectly.
Some areas at Ford are a hard no
I had a good ride at Ford, but then I had 10 years of solid work experience before arriving at Ford, so I had formed good work habits before arriving at Ford. While at Ford I refused to compromise my integrity, standards and work ethic. I was a square peg who was tolerated because of my contributions. I was the one pulling the rest of the team along while routinely gift wrapping and returning all the knives they stuck in my back. I got to tell you it was exhausting, and it feels sure good to be retired.
If my first work experience was Ford, I firmly believe I would never of developed the work skills I have. YMMV, just be self aware and careful as there is a huge disconnect between reality and what Ford leaders espouse.
Everything @eeb+1bHNdleC said was true. The good side of Ford is that:
- You'll get a "competitive" salary (OK for an starter salary).
- You may get Ford to pay for your postgraduate studies.
- You may meet nice and professional persons in the job.
- Generally, Ford looks good on the resume (especially when there is nothing else).
- Whatever you learn at Ford is NOT the right way of doing that.
The bad side of Ford is everything else.
Thanks
@eeb - Excellent post.
Well said that it is not about being mad at Ford. I think this is what people miss when you tell them the truth about Ford. I told my ex-wife all that @eeb said, and she said to me "maybe you are just too bitter that you were laidoff". I AM NOT. Was I sad? sure, for a day or two, but not bitter. I pity Ford, I am not bitter at Ford. Also, most people on this website are not bitter, they just tell the truth.
If someone does not believe, maybe they should first join Ford and then verify the Ford culture for themselves. People on this website are being grateful to humanity by saving people at a minimum 2-3 misery-full years, by giving you a sound advice beforehand.
OP, so let me get your question straight - you have a brand new shiny degree (whatever field) from one of those fancy universities that you paid thousands of dollars for and are very proud of your piece of paper - Correct??
Yet you come on this website and ask the question - is Ford a good place to work for a recent college graduate. Can you not read?? You don't have to ask the question. All you have to do is be able to read. There are thousands of posts on this site that will address your question. And you apparently didn't take the time to read anything here or you just want a quick, easy answer so that you don't have to read the posts. I guess you just want a quick, easy answer. Or you just can't read, even with you brand new shiny degree.
So summary.
(1) It appears you got ripped off spending money on a degree that is of no value to you besides just showing the piece of paper to others (family, friends, employers, etc.)
(2) Since you don't want to take the time to read, you probably don't want to work either. You will be a PERFECT candidate for employment at Ford. Apply as soon as possible. And, I never thought I would believe this concept, but the good news for you is that Ford even WANTS to hire and retain you more than the people who want to work.
(3) Crazy new world we live in - Personally, I think it is sad for the future, but you will do great in the new world order, especially at Ford Motor Company. Congratulations!
If you are: a snake, a back stabber, a fraud, a great bull sh. it artist, a plagiarizer, someone that doesn't like to help people, someone who dislikes working 8 hours a day, a person that enjoys misusing company property (company cars), someone that likes to delegate or pass on your work to others so you don't have to do it, or the like.....I'd say you found a great permanent home to build your career at longterm. Good luck to you!
Only under the following circumstances: 1) Immediately make plans to leave within no more than 4yrs. If you can jump at 3, all the better.; 2) Are mentally strong enough to withstand the river of feel good, PR, lies and empty promises that flow your way as a new employee all designed to lull you into a belief you have a future. If you tend to believe whatever you are told, or think people don't lie about such things, you should stay clear of Ford.; 3) Understand that regardless what people tell you, the company is a snakepit and those that deny it most are the worst of them. They will stab you in the back and steal credit for your work all while pretending they are a caring co-worker.
Stick to the above, take whatever you can, and be ruthless in planning an In/ Out plan and you'll end up with an amazing job after you leave Ford. Don't follow and you'll end up in situations described all over this board. This isn't an exaggeration, joke, or some bad apple post. This is from someone trying to help others not be a future victim of Ford.