Pros
While I understand that every organization faces its share of criticism, my personal experience with the American Association for Cancer Research has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve found the team here to be dedicated, supportive, and genuinely invested in both their team members and the organization's mission. I enjoy waking up every day knowing that what I'm doing is contributing to the greater good. For example, the leadership is always open to feedback and actively seeks ways to improve processes and employee satisfaction. The organization is in growth mode and scheduled to hire 20-30 new employees in 2026. I'm going to miss it.
Cons
Of course, no workplace is perfect, and everyone thinks that the grass is greener elsewhere, but I’ve consistently seen that those who work hard and don't just put in the minimum effort are rewarded with advancement. The CEO is an example of this, having started as an Editorial Assistant, attended school to expand her education, worked her way up the organization ladder, and has been running the organization for some time. Not surprisingly, those in the organization who are negative and the ones who put in the minimal effort and never progress.