Pros
Good EVP. Friendly people. Lots of access to Microsoft training ( if that appeals to you). Financially thriving business due to the Microsoft and Accenture alliances. Pockets of good technical, data and digital talent.
Cons
Trying to reinvent itself and diverge from being purely a Microsoft SI. Has ambitious growth plans, yet distinctly lacking substance at the moment in terms of expertise, market position and reputation to back up the ambition. Currently lots of hiring, Avanade is aggressively and successfully "buying" talent in the market. However seem to be hiring for potential over actual performance. Some colleagues just don't seem to have the capabilities, confidence, experience or professional standards clients require. This paired with a lack of professional mentorship and coaching leave many staffers lacking the support necessary to grow necessary career competencies. Resulting in the same experienced hires doing the lions share of the work on projects surrounded by some colleagues who are basically window dressing with little to no contribution to make. I've come across too many staff finding ways to disguise the fact they have no work to do, don't understand what they should be doing, or don't have the expertise to do what's necessary. There's an acknowledged hero culture driving intense pressure for very capable individuals who quickly find themselves constantly over worked. The atmosphere is chaotic and the work life balance can be challenging. If you want to work in a professional business consulting firm, surrounded by colleagues who have the business consulting pedigree you would expect then I am as sorry I would choose an alternative employer. Don't be misled by the hype and ambition. On the other hand if you want to work for a firm who has a strong pedigree as a technical system implementer then Avanade is a good choice.
