ExxonMobil

"If you find hostility from some men out here, it's not personal. There are men here in every facet of the company that still think we don't belong out here, regardless of the job or how well you do it. There's a number of ways people try to figure out if/when you'll have a child. The company doesn't like being told no, and though it differs based on the job, turning down an offer to go to another site is typically frowned upon. If you don't want to move a lot, this might not be the place (still depending on your job). Some sites are also more stuck back in the day (like mine) than others. If you can avoid the politics and focus on building relationships, it should be good."

"Networking is critical. Build a broad network within your specialty and in other networks. Join WIN and other applicable networks."

"If you become ill with a serious or chronic disease, the company will do everything they can to get rid of you. They follow most HR rules, but make your work life so stressful you want to leave. If that doesn't work, and you need time off for medical reasons, they get rid of you through their "disability separation" process."

"Should be younger so my talents and skills could be valued and recognized. It has been pretty hard"

"Build your technical credibility early! This is a performance based company. I took maternity leave, added on 3+months of unpaid Leave, came back on part-time basis …I had support both from my team and senior management, and it had no impact on my career progression…I went into a leadership role once I got back to full-time. Strong technical performance/credibility is like banking your "credit" for when you need it for the off-ramps of life :-)"