Pros
Everything below is related to my experience in IT. - This is one of the few companies where you can start at the bottom and work your way into another role relatively quickly. Fantastic mentality. - Private company - Solid, blue-collar culture. Relaxed in a lot of respects. - Contrary to popular opinion, many smart people work there. - Some people are great and are always willing to help. - If you show work ethic and a desire to learn, they will invest in you. - You have the opportunity to make a real impact and see it on the "right project." - A lot of leaders actually did the jobs that they manage now, which can be a good thing - They know business and how to make money. They run as lean as possible. - The owner of the company called IT the heart of his company, which doesn't always show but it is important to keep in mind. I mean, they built an entire building for IT. - People gripe about the salary and vacation, but it's because they won't go out and get the leverage they need for an increase. Prove your worth, then ask, with leverage. That's how it's done. So there is a path, no excuse.
Cons
Everything below is related to my experience in IT - For every smart, impactful person, there are at least 3 people who shouldn't be where they are because of cronyism, nepotism, or they're cheap. - From a technology perspective, development practices are not ideal. They are so far behind. This creates far more problems than some people realize. - Servant leadership is non-existent. That doesn't mean that there is bad leadership; it just leaves a lot to be desired. - Leadership does not embrace a pioneer spirit. - If you're on the wrong project, you'll have a bad time. - Too many people try to hide. Low motivation is systemic. It's depressing. - Leadership emphasizes speed, but top-down guidance often contradicts that general order. - Unrealistic expectations from the business side. IT seems to be viewed as more of a cost center by some. - Lack of focus and good prioritization - People are afraid to make decisions - There is not an emphasis on results but how long you're sitting at your desk.