Vault’s Verdict

OUR SURVEY SAYS

Exciting times

MasterCard is a “great brand†in an “exciting segment of the market,†and the company is filled with “highly competent and intelligent people,†especially at the “top two levels in the organization.† But “who is the typical MasterCard employee?†the firm asks on its website.  “There isn’t one,†it answers.  The firm adds that it defines “diversity from a multidimensional perspective that encompasses our diverse skills, knowledge, viewpoints, culture and national origins.† Insiders give MasterCard high marks when it comes to diversity.  “We have in place formal diversity and sensitivity training,†says a source.  Another contact notes, “MasterCard is very dedicated to ensuring all employees receive training to ensure discrimination doesn’t happen here.  MasterCard is an international company and considers cultural diversity very important.â€

MasterCard sources enjoy working for an “easily recognizable name†in a “fairly relaxed environment.† It’s a “multicultural and open†firm, and “very team-oriented,†with a “Midwest work ethic - everyone knows what’s expected of them and performs at 110 percent.† Insiders also say that middle management makes a “concerted effort to orient new employees.† Information systems staffers like the fact that “technologically speaking, we are on the cutting edge.â€

Hard work

“We work very hard and long hours,†says an insider.  “It’s a fast-moving, stressful culture,†reports another.  A contact at the company’s headquarters notes, “Official work hours are 35 hours, with flex-time in the summer and no telecommuting.  The reality is 50 to 60 hours for the ambitious, but telecommuting is common.† Sources in networking and information systems comment that they often work “irregular hours,†because “the credit business never shuts down for a holiday.† A respondent in Europe adds that he “frequently, about once a month,†makes a weekend office visit.  However, another reports that “all in all, work hours are not tremendous unless you make them that way.† Additionally, staffers don’t have to get all dressed up, either.  At MasterCard, dress is “business casual,†“basically no jeans or sneakers or T-shirts,†and “no suits, except for outside meetings.â€