Pros
Low requirements. You don't need a degree, just knowledge in security and/or a year or two in IT, along with a sociable personality for both customers and interacting with coworkers. For those with little work experience, just out of college, or not done with college, the pay seems impressive. Like most MSSPs, you'll gain exposure to a ton of software, tools, network environments, and learn about new and trending security concepts. Younger crowd. It's a hip place to work if you're in your 20s or 30s. Good benefits. Health, Dental, Life, and HSA plans are pretty solid. Relatable tuition coverage is offered after a year. Both traditional and ROTH 401(k) plans are offered, and there is a match, however it takes 5 years at the company before you get the full vested amount. Side challenges are offered every few months to give opportunities for those wanting exposure into another department's work, and are to be worked on outside of working hours. Doing well allows quicker promotions, pay raises, and department transitions than what is otherwise the norm. 10% pay bumps per 6 months are possible, but aren't guaranteed. It depends on your performance and ability to meet each rank's requirements, as well as a presentation in front of leadership. It is possible to earn extra money through working on holidays and referring others. The work given for all of the security departments feels impactful and enables learning on a daily basis, even years into the job. The culture is great fun, high energy, and full of laughs as you work.
Cons
The work volume is heavy, and continues to grow as customers get onboarded and coworkers leave. Every hiring session does not feel like enough of a comeback to handle workload, or it misses filling certain spots in certain departments. For the 10% pay bumps, some of the requirements as you move along are abstract and require many hours of work outside of what is normal. This can take away from personal hours, which can include certification studying. Delays and denials are more frequent than you might think, sometimes because of the personality and vibe, or how the presentation itself went. Some individuals end up going a year or longer without taking on a performance review due to some of the abstract requirements. Moving from one department to another can take 3-6 months after a confirmation for movement from leadership, and in some odd cases, it can take years. Many internal systems, policies, and procedures can change at a sudden moment's notice, depending on the leadership's decisions and agenda. Working outside of your job description is expected for growth and success. Leadership can ask for uncomfortable tasks (including working extra hours without compensation), and to decline would look terrible due to the innovative and progressive cultural attitude. Because of some of the above, other companies can be appealing, as they tend to have a heftier base pay, in addition to having less of a work load. It is not uncommon for coworkers to come in for 6-18 months for the work experience and exposure, and then go elsewhere.
