Senior year is approaching for me and job hunting begins. Sooner or later, I will be drowning in online applications, referrals and categorized resumes for every career path option. It's more than nerve-racking to know that I will be leaving my college life and stepping into a world of competition, 40 hour work weeks and daily coffee runs. Taking that leap can be less painful if you work for the right company from the get-go.
"A good job isn't just about the paycheck and insurance benefits. Most people want to feel like their work is contributing to the greater good of the world. And they want their workplaces to be fun, not miserably stressful, given how many hours of their lives they will spend there," says Julie Bort of Business Insider.
It's so important to find the right job at the right company. No one wants to roll out of bed, dreading work and despising your boss. Today, young professionals are more concerned with the culture and work environment. Corporate culture can be seen through many angles: hiring practices, communication, leadership behavior and daily habits across the workplace.
The transition from college to life is intimidating but a positive corporate culture at your new job ensures longevity in the company and a "home away from home."
If you are on the hunt for jobs and need a few recommendations, here are 8 companies with excellent corporate culture. (Companies were evaluated through Glassdoor reviews and other sources.)
1. REI (Headquarters: Kent, WA)
REI employees are the "heart of the co-op and the ultimate source of our success." The lifestyle of adventure, movement and fun is accepted and promoted at headquarters. This positivity trickles down through all departments of the business, making REI one of the most exciting and optimistic places to work.
2. Google (Headquarters: Mountain View, CA)
Google's culture goes beyond optimism and adventure. The company throws in perks, conveniences and experiences that result in confident and happy employees. Google headquarters is more than just a workplace, it is a campus filled with numerous services and incentives. 25 free restaurants, free cars, laundry services, daycare and on-site gyms is just the tip of the iceberg. Google stands firm in the belief that their adopted work experience generates team spirit and stimulates ideas.
3. Zappos (Headquarters: Downtown Las Vegas, NV)
Zappos' training team, Pipeline, organizes the new-hire training program and develops classes to enhance employee skill sets. The amazing shopping experiences through Zappos is directly related to the company culture and the happy employees. Zappos is the truest model for a company to build and run a business. "It's more about giving employees permission and encouraging them to just be themselves." At Zappos, employees can embrace their hobbies, lifestyle and personality.
4. Apple (Headquarters: Cupertino, CA)
"Everyone shares a common goal to make the best products for the consumer, and it shows in most every conversation you have," says Apple Software Engineering Manager. Apple is a company filled with perfectionists, idealists and inventors. Corporate employees desire and demand a collaborative atmosphere and at Apple, you are one big team.
5. Chick-fil-A (Atlanta, GA)
Regardless of the controversy in 2012, Chick-fil-A has still made its way by a 4.3 out of 5 star rating in corporate culture. The company is known for many community programs including scholarships, employee training and local fundraising events. Chick-fil-A's corporate culture is rooted in the biblical principles of its founder. That doesn't mean that they cater to any one class of people or denomination. It's a pleasant place to work offering great perks, including a company convention trip, free of charge (225 corporate employees including spouses).
6. Twitter (Headquarters: San Francisco, CA)
Twitter's employees are creative thinkers who are passionate about cutting edge technology. They collaborate and experience everything in teams. "Team meetings on the roof are the best, great teamwork and a lot of smart people," says Twitter Software Engineer. Workers also get free meals at headquarters, on-site yoga classes and unlimited vacation.
7. Facebook (Headquarters: Menlo Park, CA)
In this corporate culture, Facebook has encouraged employees to be smart, open minded and willing to change. "We are a company that debates everything, not for the sake of debate but for the sake of surfacing the best ideas," says Pedram Keyani, former Facebook Engineer. "That means ego and idea generation are divorced." In addition, they have a medical facility, spa, gym, barbershop and other services on their campus.
8. Edelman (Headquarters: New York City, NY)
Edelman is an advertising agency hiring people who are smart, passionate and independent, allowing them to flourish in a team and individually. Considering the firm is global, there are multiple headquarters in other countries sharing the same values but applying these beliefs differently based on culture and location. Perks also include a gym, free lunch, pet friendly workplace and mobile phone discounts.
