Pros
-You get to work on projects with a lot of cool clients & get exposed to different industries. -The work itself (MMM) is quite interesting and captivating. -If you have the time & the skills to understand how the software works + if you have a good statistical/mathematical knowledge of multilinear regressions, the actual modeling process can be quite compelling. -Clients typically have high level of trust in AP's recommendations and results. It's very rewarding to see clients' incorporating our recommendations/feedback & improving their own business, year over year. -Job security.
Cons
-Lack of promotions. Lack of recognition for the insane amount of work done by Analysts and Sr. Analysts & their above and beyond contributions (especially during Covid). Promotion cycle/reviews have been moved from twice a year to annual - aka you will do the work of the position one step above you for at least a year, without getting additional pay or title change, before getting the promotion. No set standards for what constitutes readiness for next level- all dependent on the perception of your manager. -Non-existent work-life balance. Be ready to work 70hr weeks without the compensation of bigger consulting companies. High turnover at this level - people get burnt out after consistently working 60hr weeks & weekends. -Complete inability of management to plan out resourcing. The lack of any semblance of work-life balance is discussed and complained about constantly, yet there have been no improvement. Additionally, higher mgmt will put a goal of improving efficiency without any concrete steps on how to get there. So, instead of getting a bit more breathing room due to increased efficiency, you receive an extra 10-20% workload to be completed within the same timeframe. Late nights and weekend work is a norm. -Lack of transparency from higher mgmt. How projects are staffed, who receives what clients, how many hours you are slated to work, even what the scope of the project is(!) etc is completely unknown. -Proprietary software is useless for transferring your skills to other jobs. Make sure to be learning coding languages and advanced statistics on your own during this job. -Lack of formalized training. It is well-known and talked about that you will not "fully know what you're doing" for at least 1-2 years after starting your job with AP - an unnecessarily high learning curve. All training is "hands-on", with minimal help/direction, while getting scolded for making any learning mistakes. Not a favorable environment to learn new & complicated processes at all.
