Pros
Guidewire has a set of core principles and they live, eat, and breathe them. All companies *say* they are interested in full transparency, integrity, customer commitment, etc. But very few have the will to do whatever it takes (including losing a sale) to uphold these very principles. Guidewire management does, and it just makes it an enjoyable place to work. Plus, as an employee you really feel like you are a part of something great here, and it generates tremendous loyalty on both sides of the management fence.
I have been doing software consulting throughout my entire career (over 20 years) and after a myriad of employers large and small, as well as being in business for myself, I have finally found my career home. Every single employee -- and I mean *every single one* -- that I have come into contact with is a top-notch professional and technically brilliant. That includes the first recruiter I ever communicated with, to the HR department, to the management team, to the developers, to the consultants in the field. Sometimes it is intimidating to be around so many smart people but they always make you feel part of the team. I have asked many of them, both during the interview process and since I was hired, if they felt GW was a great company to work for. Not one employee has told me anything negative or that they are unhappy for any reason.
GW is also not afraid to invest heavily in human capital. Not only in terms of cash compensation and benefits, but the level of (non-billable) training they provide is impressive, and well appreciated.
Cons
Very difficult to even come up with a slight or even trivial negative. There are larger companies that pay a greater proportion of the health insurance premiums, I suppose, but the difference is insignificant given the salaries. The P&C insurance market isn't exactly the sexiest arena to work in, but when you do it day in and day out, what arena really is?
