Pros
There are a few things about Strategic Programs that have changed drastically in the past few years. The most obvious shifts include a change in leadership and ownership of the company. With those changes have come fairly large cultural shifts. In my opinion, we moved from more of a top-down leadership culture, where all decisions were made by the owners, to a culture of innovation and empowerment, a culture where it’s more ok to make mistakes as long as we’re learning and growing from them. I believe our culture now is much more healthy and positive than it’s ever been, and I’m proud to work for our current leaders. They bring a wealth of entrepreneurial and business experience to the organization that I think will help move the company to the next level. I can’t say enough good things about our CEO, Chris Coberly. He is a strong leader and a genuine person who truly cares about the employees and wants to help us all succeed and enjoy our work.
There are also some things about Strategic Programs that haven’t changed a lot. We are a small, relatively flat organization, and along with that come some things that just aren’t right for everyone. Are there always regular pay increases just because you’ve shown up and done your job to a minimum threshold? No. Are there standard career paths for upward movement in the company? Not really. Here’s the thing about this company – if you’re willing to work hard and think creatively, there are opportunities galore here, you just can’t sit and wait for someone to hand them to you. Several times I’ve witnessed employees identify a need in the organization, propose that they can fill that need with a position or role, and create their own path to success. Along with that creativity, drive, and hard work comes additional reward, both in the form of performance-based compensation increases and feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction at work.
Could I personally go somewhere else and make more money? Honestly, I probably could. But I don’t think I’d be able to find the same close-knit culture and the same sense of purpose and accomplishment somewhere else. I probably couldn’t have as much freedom to create my own career path. And I don’t know that I’d be able to find the same level of schedule flexibility that I have here. All those things are worth much more to me than a bigger paycheck right now.
Cons
Our physical office space isn't the greatest.