Pros
To say that I've had an amazing experience working at COPS would be an understatement.
I started off as an entry level alarm dispatcher with no previous experience in the industry, leaving an established job in retail for the chance to try out something new. At first, I was a bit nervous, having never worked as a dispatcher before, but the training program is set up in such a way that you will be completely comfortable and knowledgeable by the end of it. Having face-to-face training with an experienced dispatcher, rather than computer based quizzes, was nice because it felt like the training was personalized to my learning style.
A lot of companies promise advancement opportunities, but make it nearly impossible to earn them. Not COPS. Management quickly recognized my abilities, and over the years, I have held the titles of shift lead, shift supervisor, and assistant site manager (each a promotion over the last). It was an amazing feeling to know that they believe in growing their employees and promoting from within.
Having worked there for nearly 4 years now, I can truly say they believe in taking care of their employees. The benefits package (medical, dental, and vision) is more affordable and competitive than any company I've ever worked for. There are also a lot of other benefits (401K w/ company match, tuition reimbursement, quarterly trips for higher level dispatchers, AAA membership, life insurance, gym membership reimbursement; just to name a few), which you don't typically find elsewhere. We also receive weekly pay, quarterly bonuses, and birthday cards from our president and CEO. There is an extravagant holiday party at the end of the year, which all of us start getting excited about from January onward! Okay, I don't even know if "extravagant" does the party justice. It is an insanely good time. Food, prizes, dancing, drinks, games, and did I mention PRIZES?
I would like to add that I feel lucky to work with such exceptional talent, starting from the dispatchers all the way up to upper management. It is amazing to be able to watch the dispatchers interact with customers, and knowing that they are potentially saving lives each day. I've had the opportunity to meet the vice presidents, executives, president, and CEO, and they are such friendly, welcoming people.
Working at COPS, I truly feel like I'm a part of a family. They have helped me grow so much, professionally and personally, and I have learned and accomplished things I never imagined were possible.
Cons
I've not had any "con" experiences working at COPS.
