Pros
1) Challenging work environment - specially working at PE pace. You learn a lot in short period of time. 2) Bonus (which is big portion of total compensation) can be big if your utilization is high and meet goals 3) Relatively smaller group (Compared to Big 4), so easier to build network and get recognized
Cons
1) Leadership which doesn't know what EQ is. I was yelled at in an unprofessional way on a couple of occasions. People are outright rude and disrespectful This is boys club for lack of better words 2) Lack of integrity in actions. One thing is said in front and completely different thing will show up on actual performance reviews. 3) Long work hours. Expect 14 hour+ long days, everyday. Some Managing Directors are running sweatshops and are thankless for your efforts. 4) Work environment is very serious and there are hardly any lighter moments - even after being trapped in a small room for 14 hours everyday. It can be emotionally challenging at times. 5) Pay can look great while accepting offer, but bonus makes big portion of your pay. And if you are not staffed enough, then your bonus is negligible. So you are always stressed to meet your utilization goal, otherwise it directly impacts your end of your bonus 6) Staffing process is unstructured (if at all it exists!) Staffing manager would hardly respond to emails 7) Not much brand recognition. That can be challenging on exit opportunities