Thread regarding ExxonMobil Corp. layoffs

Technical career? Who at ExxonMobil is technical?
What kind of decent and intelligent person will work here?

Get over the lies and misrepresentation. We hire and retain the worst.

EMIT just created the role of software developer recently. Simply did not exist before.

EMIT is the worst, they actively rewarded those who pursued generalist roles and created a department of clowns basically sending each other emails. Wasn't hard to find development projects with ten hangers on, managers, supervisors, architects, owners, cost and schedule engineers (please fire the executive who thought up that role), administrators, security advisors, coordinators and advisers looking over the should of one programmer (contract).

Of course none of them were even capable of reading code or understanding anything technical so whatever was produced was usually garbage.

I've worked for the company several decades (heritage Exxon). We hired the brightest engineers to stick them in HR, Purchasing, etc. We have engineers doing everything. Sorry, engineers don't excel in everything. Then I watch XOM hire PhDs for EMRE/URC and then they pull them from their research positions to other parts of the company and they begin MANAGING people. Just because you have a PhD in X, doesn't mean you know how to manage people or run a company. In fact, you probably are one of the worst ...no operations experience, no practical real-world experience...

I highly suggest anyone that doesn't want to be "technical" anymore, stick to Project Management and similar roles since those skills are more transferrable outside of EM.

Anyone have suggestions on reskilling technical knowledge? How far do certifications take you in the job market? Ideally don’t want to go back to school.

I am one of those PIPd in July, I used to have excellent technical skills many years ago. True that overtime, ExxonMobil made me like a coordinator which made me dumb. Now I can't find a good employment because these coordinator roles are Administrative work. It's sad. May this be a great lesson for everyone who is still with the company.

I second the experience of being tested on technical questions during interviews. If anyone of you was thinking Exxon gives you pedigree, you’re up for a crude awakening.
When I joined URC I was told I’d never work on muni area if expertise - I told they were joking.
I’m fortunate my graduate coursework is relevant because what I learned in exxon is utterly useless in the real world, especially when we’re forced to use antiquated technology or id–tic proprietary workflows.
Not only we haven’t kept up, we spent too much time learning processes and pushing paperwork. More importantly it takes time to deprogram and stop speaking nonsensical buzzwords like “learnings”, etc.
I’m glad I’m finally out of that awful mess and into a different industry to do something I love and can be proud of.

Being a former XoM employee, I wouldn't advise anyone to start a career at ExxonMobil. You will not get any transferable experience.
I have friends in supervisory roles they dont have a clue of what their subordinates do. Exxon hires smart people and make them dumb. Leave as soon as you can. It is a dying industry anyways

My manager/SLS has the title "Process Control Supervisor", she has a BS degree I think in some engineering, and if you put her in any control room and ask her to fix problems, she would not just be unable to fix anything but wouldn't have a clue as to whether or not there is a problem! A secretary making 6 times less could do the job of my supervisor. The pity is if she ever tried to leaver and fin another job, she will be helpless.

#TheBestAndBrightest

Engineering degrees are some of the hardest and prestigious undergrad degree one can get. I'm astonished by the amount of people that accept these coordinator/advisor type roles that someone with a communications degree can do.

When I first hired on I spoke with a colleague who had a double major in mechanical engineering and psychology. They mentioned that the engineering degree was really worthless to them at XOM (although they needed it on their resume) and that they used what they picked up from their psychology coursework to much greater effect in earning high ranks and promotions. It was a very interesting discussion and after a few months I started to really understand what they meant.

Also not to forget the constant gathering of requirements, getting consensus and buy in rather than just getting Sh– done. Then hire contractors to actually do the technical work rather than building up employees.

Exactly right. This is a chronic issue with many big chemical companies.