Pros
- Unparalleled opportunity, exposure, connections - Fast-paced and incredibly interesting business; talented clients - Film screenings and free concert tickets (sometimes) - Great mentors and friends if you are lucky - Once I left, it was very easy to get an interview at other prestigious places - Being proactive and "on it" is rewarded. If you're great at your job, eventually it will be noticed - If you drink the koolaid, WME can be the most amazing place in the world
Cons
- 12 hour days are normal and pay is terrible - Overtime pay was restricted so people were staying in the office working for free - Extremely cutthroat and competitive, particularly in the mailroom, varies by department - Volatile/ego-driven personalities run wild - Assistants constantly stuck in daily lose-lose situations (try to get a good boss) - Getting a first desk is the most difficult part... no organized system in interviewing for a desk, HR is not on your side, nepotism is huge - Crying in the bathroom is normal - Being afraid to leave your desk to go to the bathroom is normal - Every week, someone quits or gets fired - People judge you for taking time off, boss may fire you for taking time off - Very cliquey and gossipy and high school - This place brings out the worst in people