US Department of Defense Reviews

Pros

Technologically advanced projects with continuous management support in higher education.

Cons

Dealing with a bureaucracy, quite often impeding innovation

Advice to Senior Management

Provide all the necessary resources in support of the project and let the engineers do their job.

Pros

Security is probably the number one reason to work for the federal government; however, in recent times this notion may be a thing of the past. You have a specific job description and are expected to stick to it. You get federal holidays off and working over time is frowned upon. In you work on a military installation you get to work with military folks, which causes you to really feel like you're making a difference. You meet and work with a diverse group of people from all over the world. If you work on a military installation you can use the fitness facilities and in some places you're allowed to work out three days a week at the end of your work day. Medical benefits are better than any other I've seen anywhere else and childcare is offered nearby with reasonable rates.

Cons

Number one downside to working for DoD - the pay. An advanced degree can net you somewhere between 45-65k, and a PhD a whopping 75-95k. The system is set up to protect and employ disable vets. Doesn't matter how much education you have or really how qualified you might be, the hiring process is set up on a points system first and if you aren't a veteran - kiss your application and time good bye (unless you are a nurse, doctor, engineer, etc.). Second downside is the quality of people who continue to work for years and years tend to be those who are lazy (and take advantage of the flexibility provided by DoD); the red tape involved in firing an incompetent employee is exhausting. This creates a negative corporate culture. Nothing really changes - or change takes so long that those who we want to stay, get fed up and split.

Advice to Senior Management

I don't think there is a simple piece of advice I can offer to management - the problem is much larger and would require a systematic change. We the people drive change and if we don't demand it, it won't happen. The government began a hiring reform and then instituted a hiring freeze. A screening process to employ people based on their qualifications FIRST and their veteran status SECOND should be employed. I'm qualified to say this, because I am a veteran. More competitive salaries is the only way to attract and retain the best possible candidates.

Pros

First off the pay was great, work was great. Loved the people I worked with most of the time. I love how organized the department is. The regulations to follow made it so easy to do your job and know you did well.

Cons

Some people did not pull the weight in actively participating in their job. It really did not matter because I knew if I was working hard and pulling their weight as well, it would be noticed and appreciated.

Advice to Senior Management

There was demeaning of our integrity on a regular basis. This only bothered me a little because I knew my Evaluations were excellent and it was done to everyone to get our attention as a whole.

Pros

Chance to make a difference; opportunity to interact with senior officials -- both US and Allies; you can quickly be assigned responsibilities with national impact; your colleagues are first rate people with talent.

Cons

It's a government job, so be prepared to deal with bureaucratic distractions; unless you live nearby be prepared for a tiresome commute; depending on where you work, be prepared for some unpreducatable hours; leadership skills of some political appointees can be suspect.

Pros

job security is outstanding. Even when our old base closed, we were offered a chance to remain with the Dod.

Cons

Not a whole lot of room for advancement without years and years of experience. And having to wear a uniform even though we are technically 'civilians'.

Advice to Senior Management

Learn to know your people better. It makes life a little easier when you know that the people you work for understand.

Pros

Decent chance to work with education/government industries, chance to work in a foreign environment, flexible hours and ample opportunity for travel.

Cons

Basically no compensation; living stipend was barely enough to survive. Ultimately this job was more about acquiring job experience and skills.

Pros

Job Security and benefits package

Cons

Lack of senior leadership and commitment

Pros

They provide training and job security

Cons

Management is usally inexperience in the specific technical field making it difficult when needed consults.

Advice to Senior Management

Only hire individuals who are truly qualified for the positions instead doing favors for firends.

Pros

the job security and benefits

Cons

too difficult to terminate poor performers

Advice to Senior Management

restructure to abolish "permanent" employment and promote and give raises based upon performance

Pros

It is a very rewarding job. You don't get paid that great but the health care is out of this world.

Cons

Of course, pay. Work crazy amount of hours on a salary. Very demanding work and most of the time very dangerous.

Advice to Senior Management

It's the Government!! You can't really change much. Everyone in the country votes your bosses into office, not much you can do.