Probably a great place for the less experienced...
Pros
There are some VERY smart and dedicated people that work at NSF. Most of them are in the entry/lower/mid-level positions, and those in higher level positions are often unable to affect change/get anything accomplished outside of the highly controlled environment imposed by the uppermost mgmt. The company has several programs in place that are perpetual rollers/revenue generators (water, etc.), and that enables them to engage in other areas/offers opportunities for potential growth of new/newer business units. Solid and positive brand recognition amongst most consumers. Scientific staff and capabilities have solid reputation and integrity.
Cons
UPPER MANAGEMENT Generally dysfunctional and territorial Those at the higher/highest levels are easily threatened and unsure of how to manage people with vision/ability Limited strategic vision (but think they have loads) Mixed messages - tell managers to "run their units like their own businesses", but then impose a more conservative leash on many forward-thinking, business ideas (due to territorial issues, mostly - don't want to be made to "look bad" and what seems like protecting their jobs) Low tolerance for anything outside of "staying in line" in general - great if you're a worker ant. Not great if you're an entrepreneurially-minded business person. ADMINISTRATIVE & RELATED Administrative, communications, marketing, program management, and related systems are in place - but often these staff/efforts are not engaged/applied/managed in a consistent or intelligent manner. For example, marketing and communications teams often are not focused on supporting certain programs actively or properly (timely press releases on applicable industry/business unit happenings/opportunities for media outreach/brand building/awareness/etc.) - either due to lack of knowledge about programs, no awareness/active engagement, or poor management - leaving already overworked staff within program areas to have to carry the additional burdens, often outside of the scope of their jobs (creates stress and morale issues)