Where to even start, the split from PwC was a poor decision to begin with, but I had hope that Guidehouse would be able to make the best out of this business decision (I was wrong). All the best parts of PwC were lost during the transition; we lost our pension plan, lost any semblance of competent internal firm services, lost the prestige of being part of the "Big 4", and no longer attracted top tier talent.
Guidehouse's performance management process is incoherent and nobody is able to articulate clearly what one must do to get promoted. Every team seems to have a different understanding which results in a lack of overall standardization. Furthermore, the process seems to change year-to-year so while you may understand one year's process, you better get ready for it to change entirely the next year.
Guidehouse's culture is non-existent; this could have been due to the team I started out with, but I truly felt very little bonds to my coworkers. While good people, the notion of a common, binding culture did not exist. Couple this bad culture with firm stinginess (i.e. no firm happy hours and activities)...you get the picture. The firm outright refused to pay for things and one year our team had to pay for our own holiday party.
Turnover rate at Guidehouse is above the industry standard and it shows; there seems to be a revolving door of people which is bad for business, decreases morale, and is bad for the client. My team leadership chalked this up to competition, but was unwilling to admit that Guidehouse was to blame for driving people away.
Also, do not expect the firm to invest a cent or provide resources for professional development and mentoring...you won't find it here at Guidehouse. Guidehouse truly will do nothing for you, if you want something then you will have to take it. The firm often preys on the eagerness of new staff to work hard and it really is sad to see; I have seen young staff overworked and taken advantage of.
Guidehouse has these grand vision for the future but they are impossible, Guidehouse will forever be a mid-tier consulting firm. Due to consolidation in the market, stiff competitors who are much better to work for (i.e. Deloitte), and PE ownership, Guidehouse's future was determined the day it left PwC and leadership is delusional to think otherwise.
