Cook Systems Java Developer reviews

3.7

71% would recommend to a friend

(6 total reviews)

Brad Weeks

Not enough data to show CEO approval

71% positive business outlook

Reviews by job title

6 reviews
1.0
8 Sept 2015

Money Hungry Company Scam

Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I do not see that there is a pro to this company. ....well...maybe....there is a bar close by.

Cons

There is no pay for the program and they dangle the threat of having to pay back the course if you leave within one year. SO DO NOT SIGN THE CONTRACT! It's a good ole boys company and they will fill you with the "cool-aid" so be very careful! Yet, what they wont tell you is if you pass this silly course, you will not be placed on a job. So, you sit there waiting at home to get phone call. Scared that if you do find something else, you will have to pay back the money of the course which you don't have. THAT IS THE SCAM. When the graduates talk with each other they get more upset as they sit at home or work for free on small projects for the company. Salaries are shared and you just get more upset as you are not really hired until there is a job open. And listening to the staff, the sales people do nothing. So there is no hope that you will get placed. These is a huge disconnect from management and the staff. Management feeds you the cool-aid and the staff tell you the reality. The instructors do there best to read out of the binders (which we could do ourselves for free on youtube) but have such little influence on the class as the management holds their thumbs down and refuses to hear what needs to be done. The staff either remote or at the headquarters will fill your ear with gossip and how horrible the company is run. And then they just shrug their shoulders when a student asks for help or has a concern. EVERYTHING goes through management....no one is aloud to think for themselves. DO NOT ENGAGE THIS COMPANY....you will maybe pass a java course, you will not work after and the staff is NO help and gossips. You end up hearing way more than you should and getting so upset with management for not doing anything you want to quite, but you can't in fear they will take you to court to pay the money for the class which they state IS FREE!

4.0
3 Mar 2015

FastTrack'D Java Developer

Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I was part of one of the earliest FastTrack'D classes and have been working here for almost 2 years. The great thing about this program is that if you have the drive to be successful, you will be. One of the major challenges for people looking to move into development at the beginning of their career is lack of experience which makes it extremely hard to get a position in the industry. The program here will give you that opportunity as long as you have the desire and capacity to learn to be a great developer, despite your previous experience. The team here is excellent. Teamwork is encouraged and expected. Management is focused and enthusiastic, but at the same time displays a genuine interest and concern for each of us.

Cons

Previously, Cook was solely a staffing company. As the direction of the company changes to that of a resource provider, growing pains are some times a part of the process. With more and more internal employees (instead of all contract workers), the company is working on finding it's way with employee policy. Entrance requirements to the FastTrack'D program are constantly being tweaked and evolving. Not necessarily cons, but worth mentioning. Compensation isn't exactly spectacular when you first start. Career changers with a family to support may find the first six months to a year tough. Though I will say, the pay ramps up nicely and I've had no issues with what a previous reviewer mentioned as "unrealistic metrics and expectations".

5.0
3 Mar 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

FastTrack'd is very effective at teaching you what you need to know for Java development in the professional world in a very short amount of time. You are guaranteed to be hired on if you graduate the program. They will be flexible with you on location preferences and will do their best to set you up for success at the company you are sent to. Pay increases are regular, pending good review. Cook does not see you as just an employee, but also an important asset. They value you and are proud to have you. This program is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. It was immersive and intense, but I came out of the program satisfied and confident of my abilities as a Java developer. I am only 22 and my career has advanced well past that of the average student coming directly out of college. The management and staff are like a big family, and they always have your back if you need it. I am lucky to have found this great group of people.

Cons

The selection process sometimes allows candidates that aren't truly ready to make it into the program. However, this process is constantly improving and is refined each time.

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