Pros
If you graduate with a degree in interntional relations and realize that there aren't actually that many jobs in international relations unless you can get into the Foreign Service, this is a fine place to spend your time while you figure out what you are going to do with your life. If you are interested in going to Dreamforce, they will put you up in a luxury hotel and pay for you to walk around San Francisco for a long weekend. Why? The answer is not clear as Dreamforce will not help you do your job any better. Take advantage of this opportunity as it comprises the only benefit of working at this company. They have monthly cupcake parties to celebrate birthdays?
Cons
Pay: As an HR practice, this company chooses not to fairly compensate their employees. Do not delude yourself into thinking that you can prove your worth or go to HR or management with market research about what you should be paid. HR has directly stated to multiple employees that they hire inexperienced people who build up their resumes and leave when they have outgrown the company. They are fine with their high turnover rate. You can be incredibly proficient at your job and once you start demanding your worth, they will find somebody cheaper to replace you. Think that once you get a promotion you will make enough? Incorrect! Even as a manager, you will make significantly less than other program/project managers in the DMV area. You will make more money at a non-profit or as a public school teacher. This is not an exaggeration. Benefits: Pray you do not have a major medical emergency, as you will go into debt with the horrible health insurance policy provided. Are you looking to save for retirement? Well, research how to independently open an IRA as there are no retirement savings options available. Gaslighting: This is one of those workplaces that calls you family and smiles in your face while working you into the ground. While you work yourself to the point of hospitalization, they will say "You should have taken time off!" "#worklifebalance" all while refusing to manage employees and procedures to the point that you actually could take time off. If you DO take time off, management will make passive aggressive comments to you. Toxic & Dysfunctional: How this company has survived this long, I do not understand. This company runs on the blood of the young, bright, and talented pool of DC idealists, hoping to get into international affairs. Is this you? Don't work here! You will make more at a non-profit and will not have to wrestle with the ethics of supporting the military-industrial complex! If you do decide to work here, do not prove yourself to be competent. Do as little as you can to get by. They will not fire you. Instead, they will take your work and responsibilities and load them onto somebody less savvy, somebody who has decided to try to prove themselves and work their way up the ladder (don't be the person, see above). That person will end up doing the job of 2 or 3 people until they eventually burn out, find a better paying job in a non-profit or public school, or become so sick with stress that they simply cannot maintain the workload. Nepotism: Despite any degrees, background knowledge, or relevant experience, the owners' children work for and are rapidly promoted in this company. Great for them, bad for others. If you are not the child of the owner, I do not recommend you work here. Racism: Despite the fact that a vast majority of employees are from other countries, management operates with thinly veiled racism. Look at who makes what at the company and who has benefits and who does not. The vast majority of full-time employees with benefits (as minimal as they may be) are white. The vast majority of hourly employees are not. This is how the company is structured.