CDW Reviews

Pros

CDW was my first job out of college and here I am a few years later still loving it! The culture here is second to none, there's really nothing like it. I'll just say this, there's a reason the term "CDW Boomerang" exists! When people leave, they can't wait to come back. That's a testament to the environment CDW has built over time. Not only that, but career mobility is a huge part of working at CDW as well. From day 1 I was extremely clear with my intentions in terms of career growth within the company. Every step of the way, I've been fortunate enough to have people actively helping me get to where I want to be. At CDW you really can set the bar for yourself and make your dreams come true! There's so many other positive things to say about CDW as a company (actively encourages diversity, took Covid very seriously, high-performance and stable place to work), but I can't list them all here!

Cons

- Compensation is not always the most competitive - but that's not across the board. Certain areas of the organization are more competitive when it comes to pay. - Vacation/Sick Days are not the most competitive (although we've gotten a few extra days in the last couple years).

Pros

Teamwork along with the willingness to help out each other, was enjoyable and fun

Cons

Transition and integration of new companies purchase became their own sub-companies impacting team and togetherness and willingness to work as "one."

Pros

You get to work with a lot of big-name clients. Most growth I had as an individual. Paid certifications. Support net across the entire organization Just about everyone is willing to help if you are stuck on a problem. The organization goes out of there way to make you work on your weaknesses. If you're vocal, this company is for you and they will prefer individuals like you.

Cons

You will be targeted if you are too quiet and don't participate, even if you get the work done. Management wants to funnel everyone into a specific role, even if you tell them it's not a good fit they get pushy. Being an introvert here and not talking to your co-workers is frowned upon, you will be seen as a 'slacker' or someone that's 'aloof' and 'doesn't want to be there. Other individuals who work less, but 'stand out' managed to keep their jobs with the layoffs just because they are vocal. I was affected by the recent layoffs and it has to be because I am on the quieter side since i was hitting my metrics. Management 'suggestions' are requirements, if you don't fulfill them you will be spoken to. Just make it clear from the get-go that it is REQUIRED. For instance, timesheets are submitted every Friday, and my manager has admitted to me they don't fill there's in until Friday, but since I'm not a manager this exception doesn't apply to me, and I was written up for doing the same thing. it was touted as a suggestion to fill in your timesheet every day, not as a requirement.

Pros

Plenty of opportunities to learn and bring value to different areas of the organization. Team members are extremely supportive and become like family.

Cons

Operates with a small-company mentality from a resource and investment perspective.

Pros

The people, the partners, the management, the solutions. The SA's are wonderful and there is plenty of help in the accounts. I love how we find something to solve in our accounts, and I get involved in projects I never imagined to be an opportunity. I also like how we run our own business within a business.

Cons

The clients do not all understand all that we do. There are long term contracts for managed services on many of my accounts. The salaries are way below the standards in the industry for tech of our backgrounds. (The services pay very well. Our systems take too long to get a contract to our clients. It is getting better, but once closed we have to enter into three systems. We will get there. This year, with the economy we should at least get cost of living increase, and we have to sell $200K more to reach the next comp level. I also wish we were Global....and didn't have to share on accounts. I also wish we knew more about what Sirius involvement is in our accounts, and FocalPoint. Everyone is continuing SOW's and adding into them, and not getting the ATAE involved. We should get those projects with them....and work toward the common goal. I also wish our percentages were a bit higher on comp to make up for the percentages we give our teams.

Pros

Helpful team members & remote work availability.

Cons

This company is so concerned about maintaining control over its employees, it is running itself into the ground. Extremely rigid and old fashioned thinking. Not changing with the times. Management has access to (and reports bi-weekly on) the exact amount of time you took to answer emails/complete projects/etc. to the minute. In 1:1s, expect to hear “on average, it took you 12 hours and 23 minutes to respond to emails this week”; Punch in/out required even for “salaried” positions; beware that per company guidelines, you can face disciplinary action up to and including termination if you’re sick more than 6 times in any consecutive 12 month period. Even if you have vacation days to use, but use them to cover an illness. Any requests for time off without adequate notice is counted as a sick day, so working parents are pretty much out of luck.

Pros

This is a good Chicago company that is now becoming very large and global. There is a some pain in the transition, but they have a track record of treating their people well and coming out of transitions strong.

Cons

As the company has become larger and made acquisitions it has become much more complication with process and people. The system environment and change are something they are committed to working on, but it is a challenge.

Pros

Industry Leader: CDW is a well-established and reputable company in the technology industry. It has a strong presence and a proven track record of success. Being part of a leading organization can provide employees with a sense of pride and stability. Professional Development Opportunities: CDW places a strong emphasis on employee development and offers various training programs and opportunities for career growth. Whether it's through internal promotions, mentorship programs, or educational resources, CDW invests in its employees' professional advancement. Diverse Workforce: CDW values diversity and fosters an inclusive work environment. Working alongside colleagues from diverse backgrounds and experiences can lead to enriched collaboration, creativity, and a broader perspective on problem-solving. Competitive Compensation and Benefits: CDW offers competitive salary packages and benefits to its employees. This includes health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, employee discounts, and other perks. The company recognizes the importance of work-life balance and strives to provide comprehensive benefits to support its employees' well-being. Sales and Technology Expertise: CDW specializes in technology solutions and services, which allows employees to develop expertise in this field. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals looking to build a career in sales or technology-related roles, as CDW provides ample opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills in these areas. Customer-Centric Approach: CDW focuses on providing exceptional customer service and delivering innovative technology solutions. Employees are encouraged to prioritize customer satisfaction and are provided with resources and support to ensure they can meet and exceed customer expectations. Collaborative and Team-Oriented Culture: CDW values teamwork and collaboration. Employees often work together in cross-functional teams, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared goals. This collaborative environment can lead to enhanced learning, skill development, and the opportunity to work on challenging projects. Social Responsibility: CDW actively engages in corporate social responsibility initiatives. The company supports various charitable causes, encourages employee volunteerism, and promotes environmentally friendly practices. For individuals who value making a positive impact beyond the workplace, CDW provides opportunities to contribute to meaningful social and environmental causes. Recognition and Rewards: CDW recognizes and rewards outstanding performance. The company has programs in place to acknowledge employees' achievements and contributions, which can motivate and incentivize individuals to strive for excellence. Stability and Longevity: CDW has been in operation for several decades and has demonstrated consistent growth and success. For individuals seeking stability and long-term employment, CDW's strong market position and solid reputation can provide a sense of security.

Cons

While there are many positive aspects of working at CDW, it's also important to consider some potential challenges or downsides. Here are some cons of working at CDW: 1. High Workload and Pressure: CDW is known for its fast-paced and demanding work environment. Employees may often face tight deadlines, high sales targets, or a heavy workload. This can lead to increased stress and pressure to meet performance expectations. 2. Limited Work-Life Balance: Due to the nature of the industry and the high expectations, achieving a satisfactory work-life balance at CDW can be challenging. Long hours, weekend work, and limited flexibility in scheduling may be required, especially during peak seasons or when working on critical projects. 3. Competitive Sales Environment: CDW is primarily a sales-driven organization, and the sales team is subject to intense competition both internally and externally. Meeting sales quotas, dealing with a highly competitive marketplace, and handling demanding customers can be stressful and may not suit everyone's preferred work style. 4. Limited Career Mobility: While CDW does offer professional development opportunities, some employees may find that career advancement within the company can be limited. The hierarchical structure and internal competition for promotions may make it difficult for individuals to progress in their careers at the desired pace. 5. Lack of Flexibility and Innovation: Some employees may feel that CDW's policies and procedures are rigid, leaving limited room for flexibility and innovation. The company's size and established practices might make it challenging to implement new ideas or processes quickly, potentially stifling creativity and growth. 6. Communication and Decision-Making Challenges: Like many large organizations, CDW may face communication and decision-making challenges due to its size and complex organizational structure. Information flow and coordination between different departments or teams may not always be efficient, leading to delays or misunderstandings. 7. Limited Workforce Diversity at Higher Levels: While CDW values diversity, some employees may observe a lack of representation, particularly at higher levels of leadership. This could impact career progression and hinder the development of a truly inclusive and diverse organizational culture. 8. Technology Industry Volatility: The technology industry is known for its rapid changes and market fluctuations. CDW's business is closely tied to technological advancements and market conditions. Economic downturns, shifts in customer preferences, or disruptions in the technology landscape could impact job security or stability. 9. Bureaucracy and Processes: Some employees may find CDW's bureaucratic processes and decision-making hierarchy to be cumbersome and slow. Navigating through multiple layers of approvals or adhering to strict protocols could hinder efficiency and hinder employee autonomy. 10. Workload Imbalance in Non-Sales Roles: While CDW places a strong emphasis on its sales team, individuals in non-sales roles may perceive an imbalance in workload distribution and resource allocation. This could result in a perception of inequity and dissatisfaction among certain employees. It's essential to remember that experiences can vary, and what might be a con for one person may not be the same for others. Considering these cons alongside the pros can provide a more comprehensive understanding of what it's like to work at CDW. It's advisable to research further and speak with current or former employees to gather additional insights into the specific challenges and advantages of working at CDW.

Pros

Good Benefits but low pay

Cons

You are just a number there

Pros

Employee friendly environment. Good to work with others, however the comp plan sometimes didnt support doing so.

Cons

Management had vision but poor execution of vision. Acquisitions created team headaches when there were competing priorities between CDW and the acquired companies. Confusion as to who is covering what. Comp plan was conflicting with other priorities in the company business so that created additional confusion.