Fresh out of College on my first entry level job with HPE... Reading all the posts here feel pretty scary. I still don't understand well HPE's strategy (seriously, I'm not joking). If we are going to spin off Services, and most surely Software as well, and we are not a key player in the cloud (but maybe a niche one)... What are we then? A Company that sell boxes (servers), and that's it? I guess that doesn't seem that promising. A "plain-English" explanation would be great. Thanks!
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You are at an age perfect to take big risks and have some real fun. If I were you, I would look for a startup - which will probably pay you more than what you're doing now. Yes, you'll probably be looking for another job soon, but if what you want is to learn... Believe me... Nothing will teach you more about teamwork, product development, project management, etc., etc. than working for a high risk startup. When you work against the clock in survival mode, that will give you a skill set that will be extremely helpful when you decide to move to a more stable Company/career. Be bold, my friend!
I wouldn't think someone that has been with HP/HPE for 20 years would know what it is like to work for a good employer - but the grass is so much greener almost everywhere else.
I've worked at HP/HPE nearly 20 years. Your career here is what you make of it mixed with some luck. I've been able enough to "reinvent" myself several times in my career at HPE. I've worked in Program Management, IT, Project Management and Software Development. I have also been very proactive in building my skill set and working towards new opportunities. I have taken a very active role in my personal development and growth. Networking is very important. Always look to make a good impression and create a good name for yourself. I encourage you to work hard and take ownership of your career whether that is a long term career at HPE or another company.
I have witnessed and been nervous about layoffs as long as I have been with HPE. The best you can do is make sure you are a strong and solid performer, build your networks, keep you eyes/ears out for new opportunities and be assertive. This can be a great place to work!
HP was my second employer out of college, and my first employer was also pretty bad too, so maybe I can chip in a few thoughts here. "Take care of yourself" (the words of a senior engineer at my first job). Learn, learn, learn. Keep your resume up to date and your LinkedIn sharp. Make friends. And don't be afraid to jump when it's convenient for you - the old rules no longer apply.
Oh and addressing a point that another person made - you never have job security at HPE, ever. It doesn't matter how marketable your skills are - if you aren't given WFR for having outdated skills or mediocre performance you'll get WFR for just being higher cost than someone else they can find that can do the job "reasonably enough".
Look at all the high profile executives leaving - most of them aren't by choice and even they are not immune.
Stay long enough for 401K, etc to vest then leave. Beware though - you may not make it that long before you get WFR and it is designed that way. The other thing to keep in mind is that this your first work experience and virtually all tech companies treat their employees better, so it may be a shock when you move on and realize that most companies don't have staffers taking attendance and putting post it notes on your monitor.
From what I can tell all of these play a factor on WFR selection - badge swipes, cubicle attendance checks, performance reviews, salary relative to the pay band for your position, upcoming 401K/stock vests, group you're in, whether Meg needs a layoff to hit her numbers and get a bonus.
Things that I'm less certain about that possibly play a role - VoW (it not being as anonymous as they claim), excessive usage of health insurance (they know how much they are spending on you even if they don't know details about your health), VPN accesses, etc.
Speaking as someone with decades in the workforce in multiple industries, I echo what others have said here. Learn as many marketable skills as you can while you are here and make good contacts with HPE colleagues and customers, you never know when you will cross paths with those people again in the future. Who knows, one of them may offer you a job or be your supervisor (or subordinate!) someday at another company. Even though you may not realize it today, the corporate politics and maneuverings you are witnessing right now will also be valuable knowledge and experience because you will undoubtedly see similar circumstances again in your long working career. I have learned that job security never comes from an employer, it comes from yourself in the marketable skills and experience you have to offer so that you can always find another job when you need to or want to. Good luck, you will be fine. Promise.
An Entry Level, fresh from College...Ahhhh... Those wonderful, innocent years. Don't let HPE take that innocence from you. I bet that if you throw a few resumes out there, you will end up with a couple of offers much better than what you have now. Just give yourself that opportunity, and let us know what you find out... ;)
HP(E) doesn't even know who they are.. so go with the flow for as long as it lasts. As already mentioned, actively seek out projects to work on, gain experience for a few years and then move on. Hopefully you'll get the "time" in before the end.
stay at your desk and answer the phone..the job you save could be your own.
I've been 22 years here, and I ask myself the same question everyday, buddy... Non-requested advice... Stay with the Company 3 years (assuming we still exist by then - that I really doubt it), and get as much exposure as possible to projects. Yes... Look aggressively to participate in projects in addition to your day-to-day. The HPE brand and those experiences will look good on your resume. DO NOT stay here pass 3 years, no matter how comfortable you feel. Being here for more time will actually harm your career (and income growth opportunities) after then. Good luck, buddy!