My summer internship at HP has provided me with significant insights into the company’s work environment and organizational culture. Based on my experiences, I would not consider pursuing a full-time position at HP. Here are the primary concerns that led me to this conclusion:
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Lack of Trust and Bureaucracy:
During my internship, I worked under a Director, who is one level below a VP and two levels below the C-Suite. Despite HP’s stated commitment to employee trust, I encountered a highly bureaucratic environment that often felt distrustful. For instance, my supervisor faced an extensive approval process for a business trip to Palo Alto. The procedure involved:
- - Checking the trip costs in the travel system.
- - Submitting a detailed request form outlining the trip and associated costs.
- - Seeking approval from the VP, with potential revisions if there were any questions.
- - Further approval was required from the C-Suite, specifically the Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO), with additional revisions if needed.
This cumbersome process demonstrated a level of scrutiny and distrust that felt counterproductive.
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Workplace Culture and Conduct:
I observed a concerning culture around social events at the Spring, TX office. While HP hosts various celebratory events, such as Thirsty Thursday and others, the focus on alcohol consumption was pronounced. There were instances where the social environment led to inappropriate behavior, including excessive drinking and misconduct in the office. This behavior, while not universal, raised significant concerns about professionalism and workplace culture. Although I participated in these events, the focus on alcohol and its impact on workplace conduct was troubling.
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Compensation Disparities:
The disparity in compensation between the C-Suite and the broader employee base was noticeable. The recent compensation package for the new CFO was substantial, whereas employees reported that target bonuses had been met only once in the past seven years. Additionally, while the C-Suite receives significant cost-of-living adjustments, other employees face stagnant wages and are often asked to endure challenging financial conditions. This disparity raised questions about fairness and equity within the company.
Comparison with ExxonMobil:
In contrast, my previous experience at ExxonMobil was notably positive. ExxonMobil offered a better salary, a more trusting environment, and a sense of unity in mission and expectations. The company had clear and consistent policies regarding office attendance and communication. Employees were treated with respect and autonomy, and there was a clear alignment between corporate expectations and individual responsibilities.
At HP, the lack of standardization and inconsistent directives created a fragmented experience. The prevalence of remote meetings, even with colleagues physically present, and the practice of "coffee badging" to appear in the office while avoiding actual work, contributed to a sense of disorganization. This lack of coherence and effective leadership was concerning and influenced my decision to seek opportunities elsewhere.
While my internship provided valuable learning experiences, the issues encountered suggest that HP may not be the right fit for my long-term career goals.
Finally, What happened to the new Chief Procurement Officer from Ford? This guy is MIA. Another example of the HP do as I say, not as I do.