Pluspunten
-Culture: This is one of the things I appreciated about Hack Reactor. That being said, the culture has definitely seen a shift in the last year. The community I came into was one that inspired and allowed me to leave with not only a vast network of devoted colleagues and acquaintances, but best friends. -Opportunity: While at Hack Reactor, some were given the opportunities to grow and show how hard they could work within different departments. This also has changed as the company has restructured itself. -Perks: The free lunches were nice, the benefits were fitting, and the flexible time off was a nice-to-have--but the major perk is being around brilliant people (both staff and students).
Minpunten
-Transparency: Major lack thereof. The secrecy and lack of open communication in a well-organized and timely manner was apparent through ill-timed press releases, abrupt news, and a facade of organization. The place thrives off gossip, and the top-tier tries hard to act as though they care and are being honest with their staff, but that is sadly just not the case. -Management: While some departments have managers that are well-versed in their roles, many departments do not. The title is given loosely. -Over-worked, Under-paid: This doesn't go for all teams. If you are a non-technical member of staff be prepared to be written off. No matter how hard you work, how much overtime you put in, or how loyal you are to the company. The wage gap between roles is beyond grotesquely vast, and the disparity between daily duties is obvious and genuinely unfair. It will always be a constant fight for your worth, as favoritism is the only way to have certain members of higher management vouch for you. -Growth: Depending on the role, growth is non-existent. You may be able to expand certain skill-sets but trying to move vertically through a specific department is just not going to happen. Most departments are just starting to see growth–– and even those seem to lack insight into how one might prove themselves to attain a higher title, raise, etc. - No training: Expect to be independent and very autonomous––they love those words. When you are promoted, you will be left to fend for myself. The expectations were the worst part. The lack of affirmation through higher comp (really just a livable wage in SF) or bonuses (they would simply give you a high-five & state "nice! good work") showed that the founders truly had no appreciation for those that were grinding away to make their mission a reality. -Constant change: While a fast-paced iterative environment can be really positive, Hack Reactor changes on a weekly basis. Expect little notice, not to have all the facts, and be blindsided by added pressure and an increase in project load. It's expected that you comply and smile; make sure you remain silent.