Pros
* wide variety of work * management will actually try to change things if not right - such as changing a process within 30 minutes to a month of raising a concern. I've worked other places that would never change so this was a big eye opener. * human/flexible HR - OK to approach them about flexible working arrangements and to discuss unexpected life events, (subject to completing probation and having started customer work etc). * small -> medium company: enthusiasm, skill, professionalism and other positive characteristics will get noticed. You wont get forgotten about in some back office. You can become a subject matter expert for your favourite subject through hard work. * growing company - don't have to wait for people to retire or leave in order to get new career opportunities in the company * good moral * lots of different people and variety of skills - lots of EU and other overseas staff, all with different technical backgrounds * good rewarding of work (usually every February).
Cons
* Nov-Jan is the busiest and the volume can be stressful. Communicate work/life balance issues to your line manager in case the company can assist. * Sometimes switching between lots of different types of work, which can be stressful when you want to do your best but have to remember how the other type of test is conducted. * Oxford living costs are high * (minor) Pension match amount could be higher compared to competitors