Pros
Choosing the FDM route is a great way to get your foot in the door if you want to work in a project environment with large organisations. The training sets you up to hit the ground running as soon as you get placed, and FDM have a good support system in place to help you with a number of issues. Even though the training is unpaid, it is worth going through this short term pain as there will defininitely be long term gain. FDM do help with travel expenses, but it is about making sure you are prepared and in a comfortable position to undergo 9 - 16 weeks training unpaid. After all, it is up to you when you start your training. I left university with a 2:1 in Business, and after having many unsuccessful interviews, FDM contacted me and I decided to give it a shot. I'm glad that I did because it has given me the opportunity to realise the career path I want to take, and has enabled me to recognise how to do this. A good route to take if you want to be challenged. Not a good route to take if you lack committment. Overall it has been a positive experience so far (1 year in). FDM is a global organisation - don't forget that. If you don't like the account managers in your building, reach out to others.
Cons
Unfortunately experiences differ and it does depend on what clients are looking for. You might find that only testers are getting placed and that there are no opportunities for you at that time. However it is your career and if you just sit there and complain that there are no opportunities you won't get anywhere - get out there, get known to the account managers, and if still nothing is coming up then ask for help. You have to be prepared to be geographically flexible. You can't sign up for this scheme then complain if you don't want to move or aren't prepared to travel. It is all down to the client at the end of the day as to where you will work, but make sure to be open with them as most of them will be reasonable with their demands.
