Excellent Company W/Correct Expectations
Pros
Training: Sentinel Technologies is a VAR (Value Added Reseller) and it is important to recognize this. When you work for a VAR, you won't always have training on what you are working on since a lot of it is bleeding edge technologies. There is an expectation that you need to be able to adapt and figure things out in a lot of cases. That said, training is a key focus for the management that I work for and the upper level management I have interfaced with. It is available, but you need to be willing to take advantage of it too. Salary: The salaries are where they should be for the work expectations. The bonus structures are there for you to get -- and they are achievable without killing yourself if you work effectively. There are some times I don't get them completely -- and generally I am more than aware that I choose to put a target to the side myself. Also, remember that bonuses are bonuses -- not expected and not to be counted on as salary. Work hard, within reason, and they are achievable. Work/Life Balance: Sentinel as a whole is very focused on family and work/life balance. It is important to remember that you are also responsible for working to achieve a work/life balance. If you are overworked -- say something. Remember, your boss can't always read the tea leaves if you don't speak up. Equality & Management: Many people look at Sentinel's management as being in place for a long time and push for "new blood". While change is good at times, having stability in the company you work for is good also. Sentinel tends to balance this well. I do sometimes feel that they can be slow to change in some ways, but when you look at the whole picture and the significant impacts a small change can have -- making sure those changes are evaluated and rolled in correctly is tantamount. People: Probably the greatest pro to working for Sentinel is the people that I get to work with on a daily basis. Generally everyone is decent, has the best interests of the customer and Sentinel - and it's employees - in mind. We all acknowledge if there is a mistake, don't try and hide it, own in and fix it. We all work hard and play well. Sentinel truly can be a family for you if you embrace it.
Cons
It is hard to think of cons in regard to working at Sentinel, but since I am being blunt, I hate the building we work out of. It would be nice to have windows and little color on the walls other than beige. It is better, and I understand we are a technology company, but really it is boring.
