Pros
It's an opportunity to gain experience and build your skills. The benefits package is standard, with options to enroll in dental, vision, and general health coverage. The level of coverage depends on your contribution higher premiums provide more comprehensive benefits, so you can choose what best suits your needs. A 401(k) retirement plan is also available.
Cons
The high turnover rate at the company was frequently mentioned, but I was surprised by how significant it actually was. Since I joined, eight badge technicians/specialists have either left or been terminated, out of a team of roughly 15 people.
From the beginning, senior employees and personnel at NIH cautioned me not to view this as a long-term position. Advancement opportunities are limited unless you're willing to pay out of pocket for certifications and even then, reimbursement is only provided upon successful completion.
Opportunities for promotion into management are rare and appear to be influenced by internal favoritism, particularly toward friends and family of existing employees. Management lacks structure, and there’s minimal support for off-campus staff.
We were often expected to work through lunch or put in overtime, with a constant emphasis on "the client comes first," regardless of how staff were treated. Verbal abuse from clients was not uncommon, and unfortunately, even team leads contributed to a culture where employees felt talked down to. Overall morale was consistently low.
In my experience, this is a place to gain experience but not somewhere to build a lasting career. Comparable roles at other companies start at $25 per hour, making them more competitive both in compensation and work environment.