Pros
- Good range of projects in NYC, from ground up to Interior with exposure to all part and all phases of the projects.
- Proper environment to dive into NYC codes and regulations as well as dealing with NYC governing agencies.
- Exposed to coordination, working with consultants, client relations and construction contractors.
- Hours are decent. People tend to stick from 9 to 6 whenever possible.
- Vacations are generally accepted, with no objections. No interference or disturbance from the firm during vacation. The team is structured to be able to jump on and help with your work when you're away.
- No overlapping into your off-work hours and weekends. Things in the office tend to stay in the office (for all the good and bad).
Cons
- Being exposed to all phases and all things are not generally a good thing if you can't weather the workload.
- Could turn into a disorganized group if there's no frequent check up and proper planning from managers/ partners.
- Pay is on the lower end within the industry. No annual bonus and additional pay. Benefits are close to non-existent.
- Office politics. Arguments often strike between partners and upper management. Does not create a good look for the firm nor strike confidence into the junior staffs.
- Lack of time and effort to proper train junior staffs. They learn on the job and are expected to make mistakes along the way. But sometimes communication is way above their heads and certain mistakes are proven costly. This breeds inevitable confrontation from the partners toward the staff.
- This lead to junior staffs not willing to invest their long term plan into the firm. Hence, stems high turnover. New batches come and go. The cycle continues as usually no one would grow into the Inter or Senior PM.