Location: San Jose, California
Number of Respondents: 1

          The student lived in an urban location in a house. The total commute time each day was 5 hours, however, via public transportation. A car is not absolutely necessary to get to work, and IBM-Almaden did not provide one, but the commute was tedious without a car since the student's home was so far away from the work site.

          The student worked in small group of 5 people. The project, involving applied research, was assigned before the summer. The project was of average interested to the student, and was of average importance to the work of the group. Although the student felt underqualified for the project, he/she did learn about design issues and solutions through the challenges.

          The work environment at IBM-Almaden is neither extremely high pressure nor completely laid-back, and dress is very casual. The student shared a cubicle. The co-workers are extremely competent and treated the student with a great deal of respect. The available equipment is only somewhat technically advanced. There was average contact with other students. The interaction was both social and work-related. IBM sponsored barbequeues, movies and trips to promote student interaction.

          No health or dental benefits are paid by IBM-Almaden, but moving costs are covered. The salary was above average for the West Coast.

          The student reported that IBM-Almaden is an good company and that he/she worked in an average group. The student would choose to work at IBM-Almaden again and would consider working there after graduation.

Hewlett-Packard Medical Products Group
HKN Guide
IBM (Microelectronics)