ICF reviews

Pay is relatively low for the work we do. I work remotely on a government project and don't have the same opportunities for promotion, advancement and bonuses that someone working in an ICF office might have. I feel a bit disconnected from the company culture for that reason. I also hate the "paid time off" policy. Sick and vacation is all one type of leave (PTO) and it's accrued use it or lose it leave.

Career advancement can be difficult. They have very specific career paths which is difficult to move into a certain direction because of unclear criteria or changes in management. (They are mainly a project-based company so your "manager" can change with each assignment.) Annual reviews are difficult too. In the years I've been there, the review process has changed every year, sometimes being more lengthy or subjective than it should. Being in one line of business over another can be competitive as well. They don't seem to want to easily let you go to another LOB because that may mean lost business for them. You also need to be a go-getter and be expected to be a valued contributor. This can be viewed positively or negatively by some, but I didn't have problems with this unspoken view and found it rewarding. However, if you expect easy assignments or don't contribute, you will struggle here.