Pros
Learning how to deal with the darker side of politics. General training. Character development.
Cons
The general lack of values, respect, integrity, effective communication and general professionalism make it extremely difficult to come to work and simply do your job. If you don't mind being a politician all day, constantly checking and re-checking other people's work, playing blame games and looking over your shoulder then this place is for you. A lot of newly enacted policies tend to be done by word of mouth and leave too many points open to interpretation. Three rounds of 10-20 employee layoffs in 1 1/2 years, locations being shut down and distrust of management/leadership positions do not promote a positive work environment. When layoffs are made, they tend to cut people who have been with the company the longest and/or have given the most. People who are clear leaders and have been with the company for 5+ years are in the same positions they started in, so the opportunity for growth and advancement are slim. Newly enacted health care reform laws are making testing more expensive so the future for the industry does not look bright.