Get Promoted or Get Out - Project Associate alliantgroup, LP Employee Review

I hope to God that every candidate looking to land a spot with AG reads what I have to say, and that you don’t forget it for a single second as you make your decision. I was one of the few. One of the few people that lasted as long as I did at AG, and despite everything, I learned a valuable lesson that I am morally obligated to share with you all. A fresh college graduate with little to no funds and desperate to be successful, I accepted AG’s job offer, despite the fact that being a Project Associate had nothing to do with my long term career goals. Still, it was one of the few places I applied, and the only company I ended up interviewing with. When I accepted, I thought, “Lucky me.” And I was lucky. My friends and family seethed with jealousy over my salary, bonuses, benefits, and the beautiful building and all its amenities. For two years, I failed to tell the real truth, and then it was all over. Let me explain: In the beginning, I made it clear that I did not intend to stay on the consulting tract. My heart belonged to another department more in line with my career goals, and I was promised that upon mastering my role, I could make the transition. After mastering my role well above and beyond, I was not allowed to make that transition. According to the Team Director, my “skills would be better utilized in my current role” and after multiple attempts at this conversation, I was finally given the ultimatum, “Get promoted, or get out.” Unable to venture out on my own financially, and many places not offering the entry I needed, I had no choice but to “fake it to you make it.” I worked long hours, took criticism I didn’t deserve, and was berated. Things like taking a lunch break out of the office affected my development. Leaving at 6:30 pm was frowned upon. They knew that forcing me into an Associate role that I didn’t want (regardless of my ability to be successful at it) was wrong, but they did it anyways because for them, it was all about the money, and about controlling. Well, I fell out of line, didn’t conform to their standards, and at the end of the day, “I didn’t have a future with the company.” And so I walked out. All the time wasted, the emotional toll that it took on me, and the funds I tried so hard to save weren’t worth it. My team members were kind to me, and I was able to build many lasting relationships both internally and externally. I learned how to fight for what I want, and I learned that a paycheck is never worth sacrificing your identity for. I pray for the good people that are stuck there, and I pray for those of you reading this really weigh your options and ask yourself if this is really what you want.