FDM Group reviews

The dynamic is that you get paid well below the curve for your respective position/stream and are trapped in a highly manipulative contract para dos anos.This is done in order for FDM to negotiate highly lucrative contracts for themselves with their clients in exchange for cheap workers (slave labor) maximizing their profit primarily at your expense. But their rate of placement is exceptional so you technically are guaranteed a job if you complete training. A catch 22 at its finest. So base salary is 23.8K plus a menial bonus for 4-8 hours of work daily upon placement. Honestly you are looking in the range of 35-40k for the first two years at best. Where the average Entry Level Java Developer (Java was my stream) makes 55-60K easily starting out. You can get fired for the most asinine of reasons as some other desperate college graduate will always be ready and available. And after your comprehensive "training" which is grossly overrated in the first place you still have to ace the interview with one of their various clients in order to officially land the job & officially start the contract to get paid salary plus incentive. This isn't necessarily an interview conducive to your stream mind you. You are given three strikes to pass a project/test if not your axed. But honestly if you even breathe the wrong way this can still happen. Its a very airtight environment engineered to appease their prestigious clients at all times. From being, experiencing FDM firsthand its clearly engineered for profit to overshadow every facet. Sales and perception clearly overrules all else especially anything related to the IT trainees which ironically make the bulk of their profit. The bread and butter that make this a viable corporation whether top management will admit it or not is indeed the analysts, developers, PMO support are simply seen as expendable pieces . A wise man once said in chess the pawns go first. And this is applicable to the talent FDM recruits and disposes to further its agenda. Candidly speaking you should only go for FDM if you hit rock bottom and even then strongly consider what you are getting yourself into. All contingencies within the 'agreement' like 30K training fees, waived right to a trial by jury are all structured to work against the employee. Understand that once you agree to their contract you've effectively signed your death warrant.

1)The training is subpar. You'll probably get better training by taking a summer course at a local community college or a certified training facility 2) The company misleads its potential employees stating "guaranteed job placement for 2 years". The employment for 2 years does not mean you will be on a project with their client for 2 years. Depending on the client, clients agree to take on consultants for a minimum of 6 months. After the six months, the clients decides to renew the contract. If not, the consultant goes on a "beached" status i.e. you are NOT on a project. A consultant on beached status still gets paid, but only paid half of their salary on a monthly basis. You are not expected to be on "beached" an extend period. However, some consultants have experience a 2-3 month wait. 3) You will NEVER be paid at market value. Consultants are paid on a monthly basis. First and second year salary applies to everyone despite learning track. 1st year = 43000 USD (on assignment) 23000 USD (beached) 2nd year = 45000 USD (on assignment) 25000 USD (beached) It is rumored 3rd year salary is negotiable. For project manager/business analyst, 3rd year salary ranges from 65000 - 75000. It is a big jump from the 1st and 2nd year salary, but still lower than the market rate. THERE IS NO OVERTIME PAY. The company suggest "ask for time back in lieu from your onsite manager." WTF?! I want to get paid!! Advice to potential consultants: 1) I cannot really say the account managers are bad. FDM is essentially a staffing company. It is a numbers game. The bigger the pool, the higher probablity to place a consultant with a client. It just means the consultant just has to work harder to gain the account manager's attention. 2) Network with the clients. There is a possibility the client may take on a consultant full-time. If not, the experience gained will open new doors to work for other companies. DO YOUR OWN JOB SEARCH!