CDC (Georgia) Reviews

Pros

Amazing educational experience. Involved with programs and initiatives that have a direct reflection of the public's growing needs.

Cons

Contractors did not have job security.

Advice to Senior Management

Those who work in field stations have a better grasp on dealing with the public than those stationed in headquarters and she should be recognized for that interaction.

Pros

offer teleworking
flexible hours
learn a lot
benefits

Cons

Pay is not competitive with private sector
budget cuts
too much micromanaging

Advice to Senior Management

Listen to your employees

Pros

committment, expertise and qualifications of staff are exceptional. Flexibility of hours and ability to transfer across the agency are a big plus.

Cons

The Bush administration nearly destroyed the agency and its now very bureaucratic, lacks leadership and direction at the top, and many managers are not prepared to manage. The worst part is the grossly incompetent business services side of the house (budget, procurement and human resources) are grossly incompetent and a huge impediment to getting quality science completed.

Advice to Senior Management

Fix the business side so quality science can get done. Get rid of the large number of incompetent SES staff hired during the last administration.

Pros

CDC is at the forefront for public health research, both domestically and globally.

Cons

One must deal with bureaucratic red tape and obtaining clearance, as the CDC is a government institution. It's annoying, but it seems that most everyone is used to it and resigned to the reality of the situation.

Pros

ability to do important work
well respected domestically and internationally
ability to grow professionally
flexible for balancing work and family

Cons

performance appraisals and accountability not uniform
many bureaucratic constraints that sometimes stifle creativity and lead to lack of efficiency
not a meritocracy with respect to promotion

Advice to Senior Management

prioritize efficiency when possible and not just moving paper about. streamlines system and automate when possible, develop standard operating procedures across agency for task done regularly

Pros

CDC is an extremely professional environment with a very intelligent and committed staff. Also, a tremendous amount of knowledge resources (library, online books, training, etc.).

Cons

Due to the US health care system and the many entities involved, public health practice must be very collaborative across organizational boundaries. Unfortunately, that is not always easy for the federal government.

Advice to Senior Management

I'm sure other newcomers to federal employment have remarked on how we seem happy to spend $2 to save $1. I suppose much of this can't be avoided. I've learned much here but, unfortunately, it seems I've learned about things like the OMB Paperwork Reduction Act more than anything more directly related to public health.

Pros

CDC provides wonderful benefits and is an interesting place to work. There are plenty of opportunities to learn and grow, as a leader in the public health field the best thing about working for the CDC is the ability to quickly and easily connect with other knowledgable professionals.

Cons

The managment is team is confused and unreliable. There seems to be a general sense of confustion about policy, funding, and all employee relations. The HR department is slow and one of the worst parts of working for the CDC is the pay.. which is minimal compared to other nonprofits and private companies.

Advice to Senior Management

I would suggest a better level of organization and planning. There are clearly not enough competent people and those who are competend are being over worked by having to take on the work of those who are not able to meet their daily job requirements.

Pros

Free gym, nice people, get to make a difference

Cons

Slightly boring, not a lot of human contact

Pros

-Great environment
-Helpful co-workers and management branch heads, always willing to assist with projects and any questions a new employee may have

Cons

-Pay may not be up to standard when compared with non-goverment private employers

Pros

CDC is a large public health institution that allows interaction with multi disciplinary teams. The is growth potential and a good work life balance.

Cons

Commute to work and back can be long. However one can choose to take public transportation. Cost of living can be expensive.

Advice to Senior Management

Management needs to engage more with employees. The performance review process should be better defined to allow employees to work towards the defined goals.