Pay attention to the leaders who are sending the message through their actions that People are last.
Pros
As a whole, ERM offers a challenging environment with opportunities to develop your knowledge and be part of teams involved in interesting projects. There is vast opportunity to work with other cultures across the globe and, if your skills and qualifications are right, for global travel and involvement with colleagues in other offices. Good opportunity to work directly with clients on ongoing projects of large scope. The company offers many training opportunities to advance your knowledge and your interpersonal skills, whether company-created courses or external courses the company subscribes to and incorprates into its culture. Company promotes and encourages personal professional certification efforts.
Cons
There is a disconnect between management and the people. The "People First" strategy is more empty-words internal marketing than a real approach backed up by actions. The drive of billable hours is understandable for a consulting firm but the underlying message of moving non-billable time to project time is just short of truthful time reporting. Senior partners push out an elitist attitude that leaves many staff distrustful and feeling as if they are no more than cogs in the wheel of partner success. Bonus program is uneven and focused towards the partners rather than those who work on projects and deal with the clients face-to-face on a daily basis.
