CDM Smith has a management that is very focused on Utilization hours, this was not communicated effectively prior to hiring. I was looking for a firm to develop, grow, where I could possibly improve my skills as a well rounded engineer. Local staff promised training at interview, however did not follow through with providing that level of training someone to a new line of work. Local Office staff didn't seem as supportive as manager when it came to developing skills in certain areas. Management offered training classes, which was eventually penalized for as it includes charges to overhead and increasing your UT hours. Lack of feedback (even when asked for it) from project managers, who felt more comfortable relaying information to overall manager than staff. It felt as if you were never progressing since you didn't get the immediate feedback until it was delivered to your main manager who does not even work in your local office.
I was excited about the mentor-ship opportunity, although my mentor that was assigned to me showed little or no interests in my growth. It was difficult in communicating that to management that I would need to be pair up with someone who was capable of doing the job well. As a young engineer, it is important to have a good mentor who can guide you and help answer questions about different career opportunities within the firm.
