Not really what you know, but "Who" you know and "Who" has "POWER"
Pros
competitive salary, most folks are friendly and willing to share knowledge, mentoring environment, many educational and training courses are offered for advancement within the institution.
Cons
It's not what you know, but who you know environment. Fear of retalitaion from upper management is frequently a concern across the institution. Many in management positions are office bullies, and often threaten employees to ensure processes are carried out their way. Even though the way they want it carried out may not be the very best or logical way...they want it their way. Additionally, I have experienced going above and beyond my call of duty for years, only to receive pennies as monetary compensation. Needless to say, I've often witnessed a severe lack of caring, integrity, and character in upper management. Additionally, on a few occasions, as sad as it is, I've even seen forms of racisim. It's right under the radar, but it's here. In some shape, form or fashion, employees have to pay to come to work. Either paying to ride a bus, van pool, or ridiculous parking prices for a local garage.