Do NOT join here as a graduate - particularly in Canberra
Pros
Free Microsoft training and certification Very generous parental leave for both mothers and fathers Annual bonuses are flexible A subsidiary of Accenture - so there is a share purchase plan for ACN traded on NYSE Decent work events for team building (boozy nights/lunches/etc)
Cons
Near zero career progression and development, particularly for those early in their IT careers. I'd pivoted from a more academic setting, and actually forgot more than I learned at this place, due to stagnation. Some senior managers look after their own metrics for their bonus, often at the expense of their direct reports - as a purported IT SME, I was working on proofreading documents - which in turn resulted in a regression into substance abuse because of this feeling of worthlessness. No flexibility once you are on a large client - you're a bum on a seat to earn money for T&E contracts rather than a person, so no real chance to change roles or expand experience. Wages are inflexible and pegged to an annual % increase, rather than looking at market movements for similar roles - if you decide to sign on here: make sure you get paid properly from the start, and really push year on year to make sure your wage stays competitive. If you end up working for a federal govt client - you will stagnate, and your skills will not develop. You will not have a good time. If you join Avanade in Australia, do NOT go to Canberra. That office (#) will take advantage of your naiivety and good will.
