#7 WMS
As you might have noticed, we're living in the information age. Startup companies abound and business--and media--move at the speed of light. However, Chicago-based WMS keeps itself on the cutting edge of the gaming industry, and they've been doing it since 1943, proving that with the mindshare of Generation Y talent, you don't have to be a startup to be a serious innovator.
"Innovation is what drives our company," says Larry Pacey, EVP of Global Products. "WMS heritage is steeped in bringing out new ideas and innovative concepts. Anyone can have a new idea and the company will bring it out to the market. We're looking for people to do that." WMS has the kind of environment that draws game-savvy Gen Yers, including facilities with video games, access to the latest and greatest in technology and frequent contact with big industry names.
Contact with the higher ups in the company is the norm, too, says Mathematician Pamela Smith. "Our VP has taken me on casino trips, and is constantly mentoring me. I'm provided constant feedback on how to make a game better." Smith says that she spends time figuring out levels in the games she works on, but on how to take her career to the next level, too. "We set an evaluation plan and talk with a manager about our goals for next year."
If that sounds a little formal, don't worry: WMS is far from it. "The environment is very relaxed," Smith says. "It's chill--everybody chats with everybody. The VP's sit in cubes right next to me, and they don't really lay down the hammer." Employees often take their lunch break to either the tricked-out game room (ping pong is really hot right now) or to the in-house gym. "I work out at lunch and it cuts out a lot of time I would spend after work getting to the gym." It's not out of the ordinary for the crew to take a movie day, either. Smith says that when The Dark Knight came out, they all went to see it on opening day together.
"The most interesting aspect of working here is that I work for a company that makes slot machines," says Core Artist Brent Walker. "It's not something you hear of very often. I think it's cool coming to work every day and getting to work on something that you'll see on the floor of a casino." Walker gets a myriad of high-tech tools to do his job, but the other perks keep him happy, too. "We have a roundness reimbursement program. If you spend $200 a year on things like massages, gym memberships, yoga, etc. you get 50% reimbursement. It's nice because those things can be really expensive. It keeps you moving, motivated, and healthy and gets you into work the next day." Jackpot!
