Pros
Optum is one of the main data analytics drivers within the UnitedHealth Group. If you have an interesting in data analysis/data science and interested in working with the latest in big data tools, then Optum is a great place to work. Although there are many groups working within Optum, they all are generally focused on improving member health outcomes and/or reducing fraud, waste and abuse in the health insurance/medical industry. So the work you do is valuable and a benefit to society.
Management are quantitatively sophisticated, and very open to proposals and innovations from the lower ranks. If you have something that you believe will be more efficient, cost-effective and/or accurate than an existing tool, they will listen to you. And are often willing to give you the time needed to experiment with and learn new tools and methodologies.
Optum, and UnitedHealth in general, has always been a leader in telecommuting. I believe nearly a quarter of their entire staff was working remotely even before the pandemic, so they have a sophisticated and well-developed system for remote work. My immediate team consisted of people in 3 different time zones within the US, and several people working locally at a European hub (but working remotely with the rest of the team in the US).
Cons
My experience at Optum was very positive. My experience may not be representative of everyone else in the company, but this is definitely a place I would work again.
