Pros
If you are lucky, you will have an opportunity to work at MGAC. If you are good, you will do so for a long time. What follows may sound like hyperbole in a time where that is all too common, but it is so. This place IS different. There is an intangible, positive, vibe that wants all here to learn, to earn, to stretch and grow - to step out of the old and into the new. You will be challenged and if you have the will and the mettle, you will succeed. If you need hand-holding and back-slaps, you might want to think twice. If you like to take pride in a job well done just for its own sake, then jump in. We're a consultancy and if you keep your clients happy by adding value to THEIR lives, enough so that they willingly part with their money and give it to you, then you figured it out. If you figure out better, bigger, newer ways to do that, MGAC will likely give YOU more money (or whatever it is that makes you smile) - within reason - and the law. A more generous CEO you will never find. The place is helmed by a curious cat who is sometimes misread but who really has his, our and your best interests at heart and not necessarily in that order. The place is growing and it may seem daunting but try and get to know him. Go out of your way to do so. There are a lot of very smart, experienced people from all walks of life. This talent can and should be drawn upon - someone here's been there and done it and you should not be shy about reaching out and asking for advice. The place wins all sorts of best places to work awards for a reason. It's the best place I've ever worked and I hope you get to say that too.
Cons
Growth can be sticky. Some people get cranky. Some people aren't so lucky or so good and the fit just isn't there. Some people do need that pat on the back and they may or may not get that here. You can't be as big as this place now is and not have some disaffected folks who will and do crab about this or that policy or goings-on. It's going to happen. We reflect who we are and there's some good and some bad in every group and ultimately, things settle out and we end up with more good fits than bad and we move on. I think many don't believe our own propaganda and feel that those who lead this place are isolated from the real world and out of touch with those on the ground. It ain't so and if you want to lead this place, you can. You just have to be willing to do the hard work and be dedicated to making that happen. Grow a new sector and make yourself a name and a few dollars for the company and you too can join the ivory tower. It's up to you. I think there is a failure of leadership to make sure that those below really understand and believe that these are not empty, aspirational cheers but rather real opportunities for those with the burning desire to make it so.
