Based on analysis of public employee reviews and industry discussions, here are some of the commonly cited "cons" or drawbacks of working at EPAM Systems.
Job Stability and "Bench" Time
Project-Based Job Security: As a professional services company, EPAM's business model is project-driven. This means an employee's job security can be tied to the company's ability to win new client projects. This can lead to periods of being "on the bench" (not assigned to a project), which can create anxiety and uncertainty for employees.
Risk of Layoffs: When the market slows down or a client project is completed, employees on the bench for too long may be at a higher risk of being laid off. This is a common concern in the IT services industry, but it's a frequent topic in discussions about EPAM.
Uncertainty with Client-Side Interviews: Even after being hired by EPAM, employees often need to go through an additional technical interview with the client to be assigned to a project. Some employees have reported that this process can be difficult and that they were rejected by the client after multiple rounds, leaving them on the bench.