Pros
-The people are outstanding. Lots of talented, intelligent, hard-working and kind folks here for sure. -If you're lucky and are put on a good team, you can have a really wonderful experience. It's possible to work with really high-profile clients and crank out some great work. -The work environment is really relaxed and you feel comfortable being yourself. -There's also free food, coffee, snacks (not many vegan options), the office is really nice (albeit over-capacity) and the attempts at improving culture and morale don't go unappreciated, although there is still a long way to go. -Telling people you work at VSA means that you're clearly doing something right and it still holds a high reputation in the design community and in the midwest.
Cons
-Shy, quiet, reserved and polite folks need not apply. You will get trampled and taken advantage of until you speak up. -Creatives often get pushed to their limits churning out work for the same client and easily get burnt out. Hours can be hellish. -Zero transparency. No one has any idea what's going on. -False promises. There's lots of talk of new plans for the company but nothing ever happens. All-office meetings are a waste of time and are just a way for AP's to massage each others egos. -The turnaround rate is super high. There are so many new-hires lately, and it's nearly impossible to keep up with or try and maintain relationships with anyone. I can only imagine how it feels for a new person. -There's great work plastered all over the walls which looks super impressive, but the chances that you'll get to do anything that great is slim to none. -Some people at the AP level have definitely been grandfathered in and are definitely getting lazy, becoming more and more unavailable/tuned out, and don't allow anyone to fully contribute ideas or try anything new. -The review process is a waste of time since you'd be discussing issues with the person that you're most likely having issues with. -Attempts at giving teams budgets to bond and continue education have been made, but they are weak and feel forced.