Pros
I work in Executive Programs (ExP) which is just one division of Gartner - so I can't speak to other areas. However, in my first year, this is what I can say: 1) Incredibly healthy work environment. My bonus is partly based on my performance and partly based on the performance of my team - so cooperation and collaboration are baked into our incentive structure. 2) They hire not only incredibly smart people, but also people with high EQs. One year in and I have not met anyone with a hidden agenda, super-sized ego, short temper, etc. They are incredibly skilled at finding people who are geared toward service and helping others - which makes for a great workforce. 3) Management is incredible. The leadership of ExP from Chris Thomas down to the Regional Vice Presidents is superlative and they are good at motivating the staff. They give us enormous latitude to service our accounts in ways that play to our individual strengths. 4) In the end, common sense wins out. While they don't always make the right decision (nobody does), they look at the data and change course when they realize they took a wrong turn. In short, we don't have people who make wrong decisions and then stick by them to protect egos. 5) Gartner has very little bureaucracy. I have worked for much smaller organizations that had far more forms and rules. So far in my career, I have have always seen a time horizon for each job. This is the first job I have ever thought, "I could retire here!" It is a job that is evergreen, always changes, keeps you on your toes, you learn something new every single day, and you end the day knowing that you made a positive difference in the lives of others.
Cons
1) ExP offers a week-long training program twice a year for new associates. This training is incredibly well done, but scratches the surface of everything we need to know. We are assigned a buddy when we are hired and the quality of your training has a lot to do with the buddy you are paired with. Mine was incredible, but different people have had different experiences. 2) This could be a "Con" for some, but in my area, that track goes: Executive Advisor (EA), Executive Partner (EP), EP VP, EP VP Team Lead, Regional Vice President (RVP), and that's the realistic end of the line. In the United States, there are five RVPs, and probably less than ten team leads. So if you are a climber, this may not be the job for you. If you are interested in a big salary and status, this may not be the job for you. But if your primary desire is to work with a incredible team and do great work, then this could be a good place.