Great way to fast-track your career and grow professionally
Pros
Training: Avanade pays for 80 hours of training a year (minimum) for Analyst and Consultant level employees (not sure about the tiers above). When I came onboard, I was sent to three weeks of training. That's a big chunk of change to make sure I know what it takes to deliver for clients. It speaks volumes about a company that does the right thing with its employees. Also, you have free access to MSDN and other internal training resources. Travel: Although some projects may not be in the most exciting areas, you get to see different places and meet new people all the time. I find this experience to be exhilarating and fun! Experience: I went back to college a bit late, so I feel like I'm playing catch-up with my career. Avanade and consulting in general is a great way to fast-track your career. You can always get help with tough tasks that someone else has done before and, especially if you're a "go-getter," you can always find the answer to your problem and make a name for yourself. Pay: The pay that I am receiving is fair.
Cons
Travel: As mentioned previously, you may not always get to see the most exciting places. I'm aware that the travel will definitely get old at some point. All the travel is good if you're single, otherwise I see how it could put a strain on family life. Pay: In the technology sector, some of my cohort were starting out at 70-80k a year. You won't find that level of compensation for Analyst positions, but I feel strongly that it's balanced out with the experiences (travel, training, career growth).
