Ensemble Reviews

It is very difficult to list any pros of this company. First, the interview process is usually only about ten minutes long. At times even shorter. Usually they hire based on "feel". They also like to hire people usually straight out of University because they are easy to mould, they are cheap and they usually are just happy to get a job. They also constantly hire friends, family or friends of a families which can yield to nepotism. Then when someone doesn't work out due to personality fit or they just don't like them, they fire them. Firing happens so often here. The first year and a half I was there, there was probably one person fired each month (or it eventually averaged to that). But that is only the start. Many leave as well and this company has very large turnover for a reason. The environment is very unprofessional. Many in management have never worked anywhere else, which isn't necessary to run a good company or to be a good manager, but in this case their inexperience is quite evident. If something goes wrong, management will always point fingers at others. They are also extremely sensitive, and take things personally, yet when the tables turn, they say its just business. There is no form of company structure so you can be answering to four people all at once. They will often say they want you to grow and choose your projects, but for the most part, they'll put you on a project based on need. Growth is an afterthought. They can also hire someone as a software developer but due to need, will get software developers to do QA or System Administration full time. Promotions and raises are usually given to "lifers" or those that are favoured within the company. Travelling for projects usually means travelling for months on end sometimes years. I've never heard of company lunches that you had to make up the time for, but that is how it is here since its consulting and you have to bill the 40 hours per week.

Trial by fire. Lots of people get burned. You will feel beaten and bruised after working for the abusive management. Virtually no on the job training except for figuring it out yourself. When you get it wrong, you are held responsible. Management are bullies. Expect you to work long hours for banked time at straight 1:1 ratio, meanwhile you can't find them when you need help but if you aren't available because you are using banked time you earned you are suddenly on the bad list.