If you're thinking about joining ICF Delhi, you must read this.
Pros
I have worked for ICF for over two years, and I believe that the following opinions mirror the opinions of many of my colleagues, who left ICF. 1. If you're looking for a modelling and analytical role in power markets, they do it better than many of the other firms. 2. Opportunity to travel to US and UK offices.
Cons
1. Not an inclusive company – not for women: The US market team (based in India), is surprisingly quite vocal about not hiring women (supported by women HRs) because they don't work for longer hours (according to them). 2. Work-life balance is the worst – The managers in the team have put in place a team culture where you’re expected to work for a minimum of 12 hours a day, sometimes till 4AM in the morning. I have done that in a row for 2 years. 3. A nightmare for fresh graduates – They prey on fresh graduates as they are gullible ones. 4. 3-4 insecure managers running the show – The US team managers and directors (mostly with B-grade academic backgrounds) are insecure. In order to please their directors based in the US, they micromanage, expect you to work for longer hours, and stoop to the level of hindering your development. 6. A backend job – Don’t come in with an expectation to learn the end-to-end business process. The managers and directors will ensure that doesn’t happen and their positions within the company are secure. Even after all of these cons, you are still thinking of going forward with a role in the US team based in India, you can consider asking HR about the attrition rate within the team. That will help you come to a decision!
