Pros
The short version: slow and steady wins the race. They are trying really hard to make positive changes and bring the company into this century. The long version: -The people are amazing. The level of experience here, both good and bad, is astounding. You will learn a lot from the people sitting around you. -The culture is slowly changing. As more young people come in and older reps go out, the attitude and culture is/will change. -The Academy has come far since its inception in 2013. The sales program is now being run by a person with sales experience (imagine that!). The quality of "grads" coming out of the program is improving. You are able to get a really good feel for the culture they are trying to create and stem it out from just the Minnesota office. You also get to rub elbows with many of the Multimarket Managers and Inside Sales Managers throughout the company.
Cons
The short version: cons mostly depend on where you work. With a company this large, all things are not created equal--management included. The long version: -The older reps think their way is ALWAYS the best way, which may or may not be the case. -The rate of change is slow. -Trainings are not done comprehensively enough when taking on a new role. A standardized on boarding process needs to happen, where you are actually given the time to learn the role you are about to fill. -Academy grads think they are entitled to fast promotions. Working hard and relocation is the key to getting promoted within this company quickly, not attending the Ryerson Academy.