| USX-Marathon Group | 5555 San Felipe Rd., Houston, TX 77253 |
| www.marathon.com | (713) 629-6600 Fax: (713) 296-2952 |
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Oily reputation
USX-Marathon Group (a.k.a. Marathon Oil) is one of two publicly traded units under the USX umbrella. Its steely sister corporation is Pittsburgh-based USX-U.S. Steel Group. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Marathon is a medium-sized, integrated oil company, and accounts for the majority of its parent company's revenues. The company's largest subsidiary is Marathon Oil. In addition to global crude oil and natural gas exploration, the company refines, transports and markets crude oil and petroleum products; it recently launched a division dedicated to power generation. The corporation operates and controls a 49.4 percent interest in Yates Field, an oilfield in western Texas that has proven to be one of the most prolific in U.S. history. Marathon also produces in various areas in the Southwest and Central United States, operates 21 offshore platforms, and conducts a significant exploration program. The company has formed a new business unit, Marathon Power Company, Ltd., to develop electric power projects in Latin America and the Pacific Rim.
From Norway to The Netherlands
Internationally, Marathon explores for oil in fifteen countries, and produces oil and natural gas in eight. The Brae Field complex off the northeast coast of Scotland is its most important international site. The company also operates in Norway, Egypt, The Netherlands, and Gabon.
After striking gold
Marathon was founded in 1887 as the Ohio Oil Company by a group of independent oil producers who banded together to compete with Standard Oil. Two years later, Ohio Oil was the largest producer in the state, attracting the attention of Standard Oil, which simply acquired it. As a result of the Sherman Anti-Trust act in 1911, The Standard Oil monopoly was broken up, and Ohio Oil regained its independence. After striking liquid gold in Texas in 1924, Ohio Oil began acquiring other properties and, in 1962, changed its name to Marathon Oil Company.
Joint ventures
In 1982, U.S. Steel acquired Marathon for $6.5 billion. While Marathon thrived, U.S. Steel suffered along with the rest of the steel industry. Through a series of restructurings, the corporation cut its raw steel production capability by close to two-thirds. It then sold and consolidated a number of its diversified businesses, including chemical businesses and domestic transportation subsidiaries. Later, it launched a number of joint ventures with American and foreign partners. In 1986, in order to reflect its varied business units, U.S. Steel changed its name to USX. That year the company expanded its energy business with the purchase of Texas Oil & Gas.
Movin' right along
TO&G's exploration and production assets were consolidated with Marathon's in 1990. After a failed corporate raid by financier Carl Icahn, USX split Marathon and U.S. Steel into two separate stock classes in 1991. USX-Marathon has spent most of the last decade restructuring its business lines, expanding internationally, and moving into the power generation business. In 1998, Marathon and Ashland Inc. launched a joint business dubbed Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC. The venture combines both companies' U.S. refining, marketing, and transportation operations. The new business boasts seven refineries and a retail distribution network of about 5,400 gas stations in twenty states. With an eye to gaining a foothold in Canada, USX-Marathon made a bid to acquire Toronto-based Tarragon Oil & Gas. The company also has plans for further exploration in the Gulf of Mexico, the North Sea, and continued operations in East Texas and other basins in the western US and Canada. In 2000, Marathon Oil plans on spending $248 million on worldwide exploration, with 75 percent invested in new ventures and prospects in North America.
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USX-Marathon "is into college recruiting and hiring interns," reveals a source. The company receives many entry-level hires through its co-op/summer internship programs. Job openings and contact information are posted in the College Recruiting and Experienced Professional sections of the company's home page (www.marathon.com). Resumes and cover letters may be e-mailed, faxed, or posted to the Recruiting and Placement division.
Sources say interviews are "fairly relaxed" and "not too technical." After meeting with HR, candidates meet with members of the hiring group. One insider explains the typical scenario: "They describe what they do, what the job entails, and inquire about previous work experience and what you plan to do with your career." Pretty straightforward.
Our contacts do note that "whenever a job becomes available, it is first offered internally. If no one accepts the job, it is then offered to the general public." Another source adds that "there are some occasions when a position is offered within the corporation and to the public right from the start." That insider also notes that "referrals from employees definitely help."
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A good work ethic goes a long way
"A good work ethic seems to go a long way in this corporation," says a source, adding "so does loyalty." "I and my fellow coworkers watch out for each other both at work and outside of it." Insiders describe the work environment as "relatively pleasant," adding that "everyone gets along well enough to ensure that the work gets done on time."
Management in the real world
Hours vary depending on the office you work in. Most work from 7-4 or 8-5. Most agree, though, that "managers are fairly understanding that we're living in the real world." "If you are late for work one day, or have to take a long lunch to handle a personal matter, that's fine. As long as you make up any lost time and put in your forty hours a week, people are pretty lenient."
Be safe
Dress code also depends on where you work. In the company's labs, "jeans and short-sleeve shirts are common," and "managers often dress business casual - though some wear suits and nice dresses." Other insiders report wearing "suit and tie from Monday to Thursday, with casual Fridays." Overall, "it really depends on how much you deal with executives and the public." And of course, "safety is paramount."
Running through water
One source does admit that "the bureaucracy at USX can sometimes feel like trying to run through water." Says another, less lucid insider, "you occasionally have to beat your head against a wall in order to knock it down. We have to get approval from higher-ups for everything," he continues. "While most managers are on our side, most of the time they are busy with larger matters. It can become pretty frustrating." Informants attribute the problem to the fact that USX is "such a large company." On the upside, "you can move within the company when and if you get tired of the position you're in."
Looking out for #1
USX insiders say "salaries are comparable to those at other companies" in the industry, and are "fair - based on your skills." One source disagrees, however, noting that "job security is often in question, and management and union employees are always at odds." Either way, employees "are entitled to performance reviews at least once a year." "Depending on your performance, you can get an annual, merit-based raise of up to 10% of your salary." That source warns that "you need to look our for yourself, though." While "some managers look out for their employees and push to get them the raises they deserve," you may find yourself having to "ask for a pay increase or change of position if you feel you're not getting what you should."
Darn good benefits
Benefits at USX are "among the best I've ever seen," claims an insider, "they offer full medical and dental plans with your choice of HMOs." The company also offers "a 401k plan with matching everything," and it has its own credit union, which offers extremely competitive rates on loans and mortgages. There is also "tuition reimbursement if you decide to study for a higher degree." Be advised, however, that "you are required to work with the company for at least one year after completing your degree - or you'll have to pay the money back." Employees get "one week of vacation time after six months of employment, and three weeks after one year." Furthermore, "there are no sick days. If you're sick, you're sick."
Diversity as asset
"Minorities and women are well represented" in the company, and sources affirm that "race or gender would never affect your potential at USX." The company has "a non-discrimination policy when it comes to potential and current employees," notes another informant. "People are hired and evaluated based on their ability to perform the job they're hired for." As another points out, "the company's Engineers & Consultants group does international consulting, so diversity is an asset there."
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Daniel J. Sullenbarger
Human Resources
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Refined products & merchandise;Buy/sell agreements;Natural gas;Liquid hydrocarbons;Transportation
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