Much of the downsides of working at Expedia can be chalked up to the pains typical of a small successful start-up growing into a mature industry leader. Less focus on innovation and risk. More layers of management. Some mediocre managers rising up through the ranks while some talented ones leave the company. Pretty typical stuff, but since this was my first start-up experience it was pretty disappointing.
Opportunities for advancement are limited after rising to the second or third rung in the corporate ladder. This is especially true if you are not a software developer or MBA (as true at Expedia as it was at Microsoft). There are also limited roles for talented people who are not interested in managing.
Cons:
:: Less focus on technology and innovation as company grew.
:: Senior managers seemed less driven and more risk averse as company grew.
:: Limited advancement opportunity for "specialists" (non developers/MBAs).
