Pros
Developing IT skills:
The most valuable thing about working at Barracuda are the IT skills you will develop. The three main product lines are all heavy on network security principles and technologies (Authentication, TLS, Network, ACL, Cloud and Linux); master those areas and you’ll be a high-end candidate for the rest of your career.
Mentorship and Management:
Most Tier 2’s and T3’s are excellent techs and approachable, if you need help they’ll be there for you. We usually work in teams of 4, so there is always help a desk away.
The managers DO NOT micro-manage. Act like a professional, manage your cases the right way and you can go several days without talking to your direct report (unless you want/need to).
Career Ladder and Compensation:
I started at Barracuda as a tier 1A and over the years worked the promotion ladder: every 6 months, if you are disciplined and able to close your weekly case quota (which is very do-able), you're given a promotion in title and pay. Making Tier 2 can take as little as 18 months.
Honestly, starting pay is less than other companies, but the position is full-time (not contract) with very good benefits. The potential of getting raises every 6 months makes the pay competitive after your second raise.
The 401k and medical is excellent and on par with all other major IT companies.
Flex PTO is given once you’re on salary (no more counting PTO days).
Career Advice:
If you’re fresh out of college, just completed a network certification (CCNA, etc) or an IT professional looking to break into the Network Security industry, Barracuda is an excellent starting point.
Most young techs come in and spend 18 months growing their tech skills and developing their resume before trying other opportunities. The really good ones stay to become Leads/Preferred Services Engineers, Trainers or SE’s.
Cons
Call volume can be heavy at times.
