Pros
I have enjoyed the lab that I work in and the team that I work with. There have been numerous learning opportunities in this lab, and the exposure I have received is unparalleled by most entry-level research positions. The lab encourages collaborative efforts and fosters learning. As for the pay and benefits, they are favorable, with an average annual income increase of approximately 3-5%. There are also opportunities for upward movement if you initiate conversations about advancement with your supervisor and demonstrate why you should advance. I have also enjoyed working with the participants on the studies I have been involved in.
Cons
I am currently employed by the Geneva Foundation, and I must say... There is an appalling lapse in communication between site staff and corporate, zero structure and direction, no tuition reimbursement opportunities, unattainable goals and expectations set by PIs and supervisors, a terrible work-life balance, and high turnover. Firstly, the communication between site staff and corporate is minimal. You need to be very proactive in reaching out to people in upper leadership when tasks and items hinge on their approval. Secondly, the lab where I currently work has very little structure, and the guidance that employees receive is virtually non-existent. When employees are given advice, the expectations often extend beyond their respective job responsibilities, or the expectations are set so high that it becomes a never-ending game of catch-up. Thirdly, the work-life balance has been challenging at times. My colleagues and I have complained to each other numerous times about feeling burnt out and uninspired, which has seeped into our social and personal lives and has affected our mental health. Lastly, the turnover rate at this company is unfathomable. During my time at this company, I have witnessed multiple coworkers in my lab and at corporate come and go due to the company's inability to train and task employees with realistic and attainable goals.