5.0
1 Feb 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook
Pros
Great boss, flexible hours, good pay and bonuses
Cons
lots of overtime during busy season, plus no overtime pay
Bon Day! Reviews
3.5
72% would recommend to a friend
45% positive business outlook
Reviews by job title
8 reviews
1 Feb 2017
2.0
27 Nov 2019
An honest description of working at BonDay
Former employee, less than 1 year
Shanghai, Shanghai
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook
Pros
Working in the Education Industry of China is full of perils. However, working as an Education Consultant is closer to the upper end of the spectrum. The positives of working at Bonday are fairly central, modern offices and great coworkers. But its all downhill from there. If you're a recent college graduate looking to cut your teeth and gain some experience as a springboard to better roles in the industry, one year here will certainly prepare you- but not from great training or mentorship- simply trial by fire.
Cons
This company is run like a big corporation, which will stretch the consultants to maximize profits. What is presented in the job description and interview process differs from the actual day to day. The offices are open, communal desks under florescent lights in often windowless rooms. High employee turnover should be a clear indication of the merit of this position. I ended my contract early, and found multiple colleagues left shortly after me. Working hours are strictly monitored despite being required to work evenings and weekends to accommodate student schedules. It typical Chinese management style, which is rigid and full of internal politics. For example, when getting my medical check as part of the visa application process- I was required to submit a time off request within the company portal and have it approved by two different managers- just to leave for 2 hours for a required doctor's appointment. Many colleagues were handling 20, 25 even 30+ students which is impossible during peak season and caused problems in scheduling and uneven distribution of work.
4.0
20 Nov 2019
Passionate team, ethical service.
Former employee, more than 3 years
Shenzhen, Guangdong
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook
Pros
I chose to work for Bonday because they offered an ethical alternative to what is otherwise a shady business practice. Indeed, the company prides itself on not ghostwriting, but providing comprehensive mentorship and guidance to students interested in studying abroad. Despite the fact that the industry is littered with examples of unethical behavior, Bonday has, from day one, promoted positive values in education, service, and mentorship that makes me proud to have worked here. In addition, compensation is above industry average. They offer healthcare, assistance in relocation, and a salary that is exceptional. However, it is important to note that there is no standard salary, and that you must negotiate based on your experience. Make sure you do research and shop around. As mentioned in another review, this company is forthcoming when it comes to hiring, understands that there are plenty of other options, and supports you in making the decision that is best for you. Most importantly, the team itself is really passionate, fun, and supportive. Every single person I have worked with was intelligent, motivated, and helpful. The managers don't get everything right, but it is clear that they are trying, and they respond to complaints and suggestions with enthusiasm. Overall, I would do this experience again if I had the choice and all of the knowledge I have now, although there seems to be no way to turn this into a long-term career.
Cons
I agree with what has been mentioned: the company is constantly restructuring with oftentimes conflicting management and a lack of overall career development opportunities, which is an artifact of the industry being geared for students out of college. However, when it comes to post-graduate work that does not require experience, it is better than most. Work is seasonal, meaning that half of the year is very light and flexible, and the other half makes up for it by having long hours and weekends. As long as you take advantage of the downtime, the uptime is not an issue. There is a heavy emphasis on developing technology and standardizing operating procedure, but this sometimes results in inflexibility and a lack of understanding between upper management, middle management, sales, and service. In general, this industry is somewhat contracting, given the recent politics between US and China along with the scandals in unethical education consulting.
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