Solid company, Bright Future, Meritocracy - Civil Engineer DOWL Employee Review

5.0
Aug 2, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I think DOWL is managed conservatively to always protect the health and well-being of our employees and company, but DOWL is also strategically aggressive and is always looking for opportunity to improve their position. DOWL rewards (compensation, project opportunities, etc.) based on contribution. DOWL has an entrepreneurial spirit and is agile and nimble to adapt to client and market needs. Employees will get out of their career at DOWL what they put into their career. There is a lot of opportunity for hard-working, motivated people.

Cons

Processional services consultants are often up against hard deadlines with rippling consequences which can create a stressful work environment. I think this is common for on industry and is not unique to DOWL.

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DOWL Response
6y
Thanks for the review. I feel like I was the one that wrote it : ) Yes, we are conservatively managed from a financial standpoint. We follow the numbers, and understand the business and reward performance. This financial responsibility allows us to have the cash to invest in growth and modern tools and take some chances with key hires, mergers, acquisitions, new offices, and chasing new work or alternative project delivery pursuits . . . all of which takes cash from retained earnings. Strong companies can chances and be opportunistic. Sloppy and weak companies cannot. The issue of meritocracy is a good one. I would say that DOWL is not a strict meritocracy, but on the spectrum between 1 and 10, with 1 being egalitarian and 10 being meritocracy, we probably sit around 7. Culturally, I think that fits us as an overall company.

Explore other reviews about DOWL

5.0
Dec 5, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The company attracts highly talented and knowledgeable engineers and project managers. The peer mentorship is invaluable. The benefits package is competitive, particularly the 401(k) match and health insurance options. There's a lot of flexibility in working arrangements and hours, which is helpful for personal scheduling. Clear opportunities for career growth and advancement if you demonstrate initiative.

Cons

The company could benefit from more standardized knowledge-sharing protocols between different departments and geographic locations.

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DOWL Response
6mo
I’m so glad to hear you are using some of DOWL’s programs to your advantage and your career is being supported by some of our great people. You’ll be happy to know that we plan to expand on our supervisor/leadership and project manager training in the coming year! We try and keep the whole company apprised of high-level goings on through intranet posts and all-staff meetings, among other things. Our market sectors get a lot of autonomy, which is important for those groups to be able to run their corners of the business, but can sometimes lead to gaps in communication. Be sure to talk with your supervisor or office manager if there are specific things you wish were better communicated between departments or geographies. These dots can sometimes be connected by regular office or market sector meetings where the larger group can discuss what they’re up to.
2.0
May 27, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Met some great people that I am still in contact with - Learned new skills

Cons

- Bad management. When I told my supervisor that I was burnt out, I was told to "Smile through it" and "Be happy that I'm not working 60 hours a week like other departments. - No room to grow at all unless you are an engineer.

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DOWL Response
3w
I agree – we have great people at DOWL! As with most consultancies, our project workload does occasionally necessitate putting in additional hours so we can meet our clients’ needs. I’m sorry you feel your manager did not work with you to take advantage of some our flexible work options or coordinate workshare. The facts do not support your claim that you cannot grow unless you are an engineer. We have many people in leadership roles who do not have PEs, including Practice Area Leaders, Board Members, and most of our C-suite staff.
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