Pros
Opportunity to practice self-sufficiency and toughness. Lots of learning in a short time - likely to experience a wide variety of challenges quickly. Entrepreneurial - if you navigate the waters well, you can put your stamp on NAB. Read “Workplace Poker” and learn where NAB fits. Practice the techniques in there. NAB can be a good place to provide a means to an end (e.g. getting that first leadership role on your resume, demonstrating agile project experience, etc...). Like many other posts state, there are good and great people there. Know thyself - understand what you want to get out of the experience, and plan accordingly.
Cons
Two steps forward and three steps back. Efforts to improve are regularly derailed by NAB’s DNA. The industry is highly competitive, which breeds similar traits internally. Just because there are good great/people there, doesn’t change the fact that you must trust carefully/keep your guard up. Good people are often put in positions to behave in ways that protect their turf at the expense of others. It’s not personal, but necessary to survive there. Lot’s of opportunity (and money) left on the table due to often harsh conditions, which prevents ideas and collaboration from coming forward. Know thyself - if you have a collaborative work style, be prepared to adjust or stay away. This can be a good opportunity to stretch your political muscles. Find mentoring and coaching externally. In order to learn from the experience, trusted coaching and sounding boards are a must, but are not part of what NAB offers.
