Pros
If I would do it over again the best thing you can do is use this company as a stepping stone to get to your next gig. I would recommend the following: 1. Graduate College - SPS loves recent college grads because they won't ask questions about all the work they're getting - Despite this, you can make them work for you since SPS looks great on a resume! 2. Networking and Referral -Find someone in your network for a referral if possible. (SPS loves referrals and your friend will get a referral bonus) 2. Join Fulfillment Team - Position: Associate Consultant I - Consider the "Community" team for easier workload (no testing required). 3. Early Promotion Conversation - Around 7 months on the job, initiate a conversation about getting promoted. - Start early to prevent delays in discussing your promotion. (Ask too late and it is guaranteed they will delay) 4. One-Year Mark Promotion - After one year in the role, you're guaranteed a promotion to Associate Consultant 2. - This is a "half promotion" which allows you to change roles within the same year. (This is rare since majority of the other promotions require that you stay on the team for at least a year before you're allowed to leave) 5. Avoid Staying in Fulfillment - Fulfillment team lacks growth opportunities. - Promotions are based on a fixed pay scale, consider leaving for progress. - SPS pays below industry standard and doesn't negotiate (realize that you are just a number and the only one that cares about your career is you!) 6. Explore Other Teams - Apply for roles in different departments after AC2 promotion. (Avoid telling them you want to leave until after you get the promotion signed) - Fulfillment is a feeder team so they expect you to leave; it's also to your benefit because it offers a pay increase (on top of the one you just earned) - Use this as an opportunity to get into the career you really want to get into 7. Leverage Project Manager or Developer Role - Use these roles to enhance your career and move to better-paying companies. Best of luck in your career endeavors! Pros: Relaxed Management: - Management style is laid-back and flexible. Industry Recognition: - SPS is an industry leader in EDI, enhancing your resume. Leniency for Underperformance: - Even underperformers aren't immediately penalized (in some cases they're even rewarded) Stability Amid Challenges: - Job security even during COVID. - Example: Recruiters transitioned to different roles rather than getting laid off
Cons
Hybrid Work Model: - No reason to go into the office since remote work led to successful outcomes for everyone. Rewards and Effort: - Success is tied to the appearance of hard work, not actual effort. - Example: Colleague was promoted who always volunteered to take on more work but never completed any of it. Politics (Corporate and Literal): - Promotions are highly political. - SPS held mandatory seminars addressing race-related issues where we had to apologize for being white Skill Development Constraint: - SPS pigeonholed you to learning their products so developing your skills after a point is limited Former CEO's Attitude: - Archie Black said “Unless you have a billion dollar idea I don’t want to hear it” in a breakfast with the executives meeting for new hires. Talk about arrogant! Company Goal and Motivation: - Their company goal is the “Road to $1 billion” which is not motivating to say the least since employees aren't rewarded or recognized to help meet that goal Profit Emphasis: - SPS recruiter mentioned high profits "per seat" (per person/role) due to low salaries. - Indicates profit focus at the expense of competitive compensation.