The Scoop

Now independent of General Motors, EDS is currently the largest information technology management and computer services company anywhere. Its domestic clients include Citicorp, PepsiCo, and the U.S. Social Security system. EDS has offices in 41 countries, and works on international projects including information management for Britain's tax bureau and the maintenance of an online service for the European Parliament. EDS is also looking to help its clients make the leap into cyberspace by playing a role in web site development and online publishing. In 1996, EDS acquired Chicago-based management consulting firm A.T. Kearney, giving EDS an even more high-profile presence in the world of information services. In 1999, EDS and telecommunications giant MCI Worldcom entered a deal that proved mutually beneficial. MCI Worldcom will now manage EDS's communications network and work with EDS to develop new data and communications services. EDS bought MCI's IT consulting arm, MCI Systemhouse, for $1.65 billion and signed a major 10-year integration deal with MCI valued at between $5 billion and $7 billion.

Getting Hired

Electronic Data Systems maintains an extensive job hotline, which gives information on the different kinds of positions that are generally available as well as the campus recruiting that the company conducts. Applicants can also use the hotline to request a faxed list of current openings.

EDS accepts resumes for most entry-level positions on a continuing basis. Applicants should fax their resumes with cover letters that detail their career interests and geographical preferences. Many positions begin in the Plano, TX, headquarters, but opportunities for travel and for relocation abound. EDS has training programs in three different areas: Systems Engineering; Engineering Systems Development; and Finance, Accounting, and Financial Services Development.

One insider says, "At the present time, EDS is looking for 500 college grads to move in the SED path, with the required language COBOL. COBOL is English-based and not that difficult to learn, though it does require significant effort."

Our Survey Says

Electronic Data Systems employees say that becoming involved with the "right" project is crucial to working there. Employees comment that the rigor and length of their work schedules and the frequency with which they must travel "varies widely depending upon the account." They say that EDS consistently emphasizes "team camaraderie" and a "social atmosphere." The "thorough" and "well-designed" job training prepares EDS employees for an "intensely customer-oriented environment" in which "cutting-edge technology" plays a "crucial" role. "EDS will train you in any computer language you choose," says one insider. "All you need to do is supply the hard work and enthusiasm." While one contact thinks "compensation is somewhat below industry averages," perks are "great. We have discount stock purchase, a 25 percent company match on 401(k) contributions, child care assistance and virtually unlimited sick day time."

"EDS is a very professional place to work," says one insider. "Because Plano is our headquarters, we have to wear business suits and black shoes every day regardless of whether we meet with customers or not. Actually, it's often more casual when we work at customer sites, because we adopt their dress code."

At least people are nourished. "They give us all the coffee we can drink, and each area has its own refrigerator and microwave. There is also an excellent cafeteria on the second floor." "The office environment is as comfortable as it can be, considering we all work in cubicles," remarks one contact. But not everyone works in cubicles ? "there are grades of offices for executives, and even non-managers sometimes get double cubes."

The atmosphere is impressive from the outside. "The EDS towers in Troy, Michigan, all three of them, look very impressive when you drive up," say employees. And on the inside, "everyone treats coworkers with the utmost of respect, and we have zero tolerance for any kind of harassment or discrimination." "I started three years ago, with no computer experience. I am now a team leader. If you are a hard worker, you can make a place for yourself at EDS," sums up one satisfied employee.

Employment Contact

Troy W. Todd
Human Resources

Products and Services

Information Systems Development and Management;Business Operations Management;Management Consulting;Technology Consulting

Key Competitors

Andersen Consulting;IBM;Computer Sciences Corporation;Computer Task Group

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