The benefits at Genetech are great. It has a healthy 401K matching plan, discounted employee stock purchase plan, good health, dental and vision benefits, and lots of good food deals. However, in terms of actual salary, it is quite low. Amany times, one would get promotions with more responsibility, but no raise in salary. This is part of the nature of Genentech trying to operate like a efficient small company. The compensation here is definitely for lifestyle and learning, not for money.

Understandably, the company wants to maintain the culture of a small company. However, they are dealing with large company issues and opportunities, and using the small-company methods, their growth may be hampered. They are hiring people with a very high speed, and many will have to struggle to find their positioning in the company. Also, decision making is very centralized at the top management, which may affect the cohesiveness of the people working at the bottom. The people here are great though. They are smart and helpful, though the work can be very intense.