In the context of this review I am specifically talking about being an Associate Consultant out of the Reston Delivery Center (RDC). The ability to grow within the company is almost non-existent. The RDC exists purely to provide cheap support labor. I would say 20-25% of people actually are able to grow within the company. It will take generally take 2-3 years before you get your first (minimal) raise and promotion.
What is worse is the opportunity to gain knowledge. They might bring you in as a 'developer' but there is a good chance you won't actually develop. They will put you on testing or some sort of sysadmin role for one of their many products if they can get you on a project. And that is if you even get on a project. It is not uncommon for you to sit on the bench for upwards of 6-10 months your first year on the job. And after a month you will be frustrated because you just want to be useful. And none of this is useful when talking to other companies because they care less about testing experience or bench time and would rather see a product you have built. It is essentially an experience black hole unless you are working on your own side projects.
And for 20%-40% this will lead to other things. They will get actual developing experience and maybe even get a promotion and start going up some sort of ladder before another company agrees to pay a lot more money for you. But a job shouldn't have a 20%-40% success rate.
My conclusion is if you have other offers, do not go to Oracle RDC. Other companies will help you grow as a person way more than Oracle. But if you have to go to Oracle it is not the worst thing in the world. Just always have a side project. Always be looking outside the company. And leave for a better company when you can.
