The nature of the work is basically that of a production environment. Work, work, work...pump out as many analyses as possible. Your production output is measured very closely in a spreadsheet that everyone can see. Most of the engineers are working with software that is not used in the consultant world...it is owned and used only by the company, which can hinder an individual's skill set. It is assumed the you are to spend your own time to learn what you would normally learn on the job anywhere else. So basically, you work in the production mill as the whip is is cracked and you learn pertinent information on your off time after all the overtime. For the time being, just plug away and make sure the production goal is met, and if it isn't...overtime will be required/suggested/implied....depending on how management wants to word it or employ fear tactics on the occasion.
You will receive very short notice to complete certain assignments. I have witnessed it. And you will be pressured into doing whatever it takes to help the team. Many times, there are very unrealistic goals and management has a bunch of guys fresh out of college that will many times just do what they are told, without questioning anything, and more or less create a consensus and general acceptance of a workplace with low morale and long hours. Management takes this as the green light to establish this as a standard for every one to abide by. In other words, if someone else jumps off of a bridge, it will be expected for you to to do the same...very micromanaging and sad from a corporation that does nothing but speak of record highs and bright futures on every conference call and every meeting. At one point, the entire engineering department of very hard working and dedicated individuals, was required to work half of a day on employee appreciation day after it had been confirmed that we were to have the day off to enjoy a baseball game in appreciation for the sacrifices that many people make to their work-life balance for the business. The communique was sent out a few hours before end of business the previous day. What a great way to thank your employees.
Too many layers. Takes forever to get decisions approved. A few individuals that have their head above the clouds and are company men to the fullest...good for them. Again, don't expect that to become the standard from everyone else. I have seen the guy that chases around management and is a yes-man, treating the guys above like gods and the people below him like peons, advance very quickly in this setting...poor judge of character on behalf of management. Strong leadership should embrace people who bring different ideas and speak up.
Ladies and gentlemen, despite all of this and much of what was left out, the job is an ok starter opportunity, but after a while you will see that all that matters is production and squeezing every last dollars worth out ambitious young men and women. I hate to be the one leaving an overall bad review for a company that I have had higher hopes for from the start. Again, this is one opinion and you would have to see for yourself to agree or disagree.
