Good environment, but almost no career prospects. Only for short experiences. - Anonymous employee CERN Employee Review

2.0
24 Sept 2021
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

International environment - Interesting job opportunities for students and young graduates - many vacation days - many fun activities

Cons

- Almost no career prospects of a long term or permanent position. Most of very good engineers need to leave CERN, and the departments loose their expertise and knowledge. - Too many people are on limited duration contracts up to 35/40 years old. - Working overtime almost every day. Not good work/life balance. - Due to the diplomatic type of permit provided, people that have built their life and family in the area have to leave the country the day after the contract ends.

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CERN Response
4y
Thank you for your review and the points you raise. CERN's primary mission strands are research, education and training and knowledge transfer, notably through training up the next generation of scientists and engineers. Contracts are all initially limited duration to ensure we foster this spirit of KT, and also to give chances to people to grow and learn with the Organization from across our Member and Associate Member States. Thus, someone on a limited duration staff contract will be able to apply for an indefinite staff contract, which is a competitive process, just as students can apply for graduate roles, and graduates for staff roles. It is a virtuous circle and we understand the challenges these can pose however, in the spirit of succession planning and ensuring people are supported throughout their time at CERN and beyond. Thank you again and all the best!

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The employment process is very smooth and supportive. The technical team interviewed me for technical skills, and the HR is very supportive and helpful. Especially I haven't been employed by CERN previously, so I have a lot of questions. The employment team is very helpful and answered all my questions patiently. Also I like the job and my work very much.

Cons

Maybe the primary communication method could be email instead of phone calls? I sometimes miss phone calls, but will check every email.

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