CDM Smith Environmental Engineering
Pros
We get to work on a variety of exciting projects in the field of environmental engineering. I've had opportunities to work in wastewater construction, drinking water plant design, and combined sewer overflow modeling all within my first year. A major benefit to this company is that we are employee-owned, so we are not beholden to the whims of shareholders. We can choose to invest in ourselves. For example, I have been trained on AutoCAD Civil 3D this year as part of a firm-wide Transforming Design initiative. I am able to develop my skills here without always worrying about being billable every week; I've been encouraged to take trainings and attend relevant conferences.
Cons
A downside of working for any large company is not being able to really know the people in charge, especially as an entry level person. We just have to trust that the Executive Leadership Team is making good decisions without really knowing them personally. I have no reason to believe that they don't have the best interests of everyone in the firm as a top priority, but with a company this size, it is impossible to know everything that is going on.