Great as individuals, losing their way as a collective
Pros
- Far and away the best reason to work at WoodMac are the amazing people who work there. They are by and large smart, collaborative, inquisitive people. Senior folks are happy to share knowledge, and junior folks are ready to learn. The culture is not tolerant of meanness or pettiness. That's not to say that there isn't lots of office politics, as with any organization, but it's generally reserved for the highest levels within the company. - The company still, even in this environment, places a high value on work-life balance. It's still possible to leave work at work (if you have the discipline!), and enjoy evenings, weekends, and holidays with your family. Vacation is still encouraged to be used, and no one is penalized for using all of it. - The work is interesting. Energy is still an exciting field, even if the oil price is dragging, and clients really do take what WoodMackers have to say seriously. - It's an excellent place to start a career and cut your chops.
Cons
- There is a tendency to think that because clients value the work, that they will always value the work. So much time and effort has gone into building data and infrastructure, but the company is still a long way from being a true data and tech company, and it is crippling the work. So far they can still hold on, but for how long? Management is pushing for innovation, but every year there are added layers of bureaucracy and it gets harder and harder to do anything new. - Every time management gets together, there are far too many "yes men" in the room. Those who disagree are said to not be "team players" and are soon disposed of. Definitely not good for morale. - Verisk culture is bringing the old WoodMac down. It was great to have the financial backing through the downturn, but the obsession on quarterly performance to the detriment of the work is really starting to show. And people are leaving because of it. - Speaking of people leaving, the mass exodus over the past years has only increased in recent times, and management has done literally nothing to stem the flow. Also terrible for morale. - Not a great place to be mid-career, as there are so many "managers" already there is no place to go.
