REI reviews

My biggest frustration with my time at REI was the poor communication from management at the retail level. For much of my time with the company I was on the “endorsement track” (management track). In the hope of being rewarded with a endorsement, I conducted extra projects and took on more responsibilities beyond my title. Throughout the process I was NEVER fully clear on where I stood or how close I was to obtaining a endorsement from management. They kept the whole process vague. My manager told me multiple times that I was close. Eventually I got the sense that they had no intention “promoting” me, but continued to string me along in order to keep me around and motivated. I was burned out by the process. This was not a isolated incident. Several highly competent, hardworking coworkers were also strung along, only to eventually leave the company out of frustration. The lack of communication opened the door for constant rumors of favoritism and politics.

Career path takes a long time. Hard to get managers support for growth opportunies.