Pros
Pearson is great at helping employees balance their work and life. There is a certain degree of flexibility for family, outside volunteering activities. Bonus plan is very generous and the benefits are quite good. If you want job security - it takes years for poor performing employees to be fired - Pearson is a great place to work. Most employees have been at Pearson for their whole careers or almost their whole careers. There are opportunities in Pearson offices all over the world. The CEO, Marjorie Scardino, is an inspiration!
Cons
Managers keep their doors closed at all times and are very much 9-5 employees. Employees don't get their yearly goals until late July/early August. That is, we won't get our 2012 goals until July of 2012. There is very little positive feedback or recognition for a job well done or big wins. Generally, you don't hear feedback until there is a problem. There are very few women in director or VP positions except in human resources. There is no room for advancement within your group because managers stay in their jobs.