Small office with good opportunities - Program Manager Defense Strategies Institute Employee Review

-I have worked here for two plus years now and the organization as a whole is very welcoming & really pushes a team type atmosphere. -The leadership really strides to make each employee feel appreciated and doesn't bombard you with work - sets clear goals & guidelines. -The work has provided me the opportunity to learn myself and my own unique skill set, as well as given me the opportunity to meet fascinating members of our government and military. -Solid benefits & the ability to grow. -Leadership here takes care of their employees and gives them perks! -Hours are ideal & you get all federal holidays off! -There is some travel involved depending the position, but it is covered and the events are always a positive learning experience and a culmination of all your hard work. -You will enjoy the profit shares at the end of the month following your event.

-Can be slow at times in between events or at certain times of the year when there may be less events occurring. -Would like to be able to bank vacation days.

The company gives you exposure to very well educated and interesting people, though this only happens once a month at conferences you put together. You also get to learn how to speak to high ranking government officials.

I think the problem most people have here is how underpaid everyone is. It was hard to speak to your friends knowing they easily made $30,000 more then you, not specific to those in finance. I mean everyone will make significantly more then you when you work here. Also, there’s very little skills to be learned at the job besides Microsoft Word. Lastly, the position breakdown is one in which most of the jobs do the same thing but they change up the titles to give you the idea that you’re moving up but responsibilities don’t seem to change. Few benefits beyond the standard healthcare package and leaving early on Friday’s in the summer. The early Friday’s are great but I think people would give them up just to take a normal salary. The salary level is that of a first year graduate even for those 3+ years out of college. The profit share for events is also very very low, its frustrating when you think about how much the event made and how little you got from it