Pros
On paper, NovoEd is a good opportunity for entry level employees with little other experience. I'd highly recommend NovoEd to interns for the opportunity to tackle real-life problems that will be applicable to any future profession. Culture: • Leadership cares a lot about culture, and puts a lot of weight into personalities and background during the recruitment process. (This is a double-edged sword, see Cons.) • This is team-dependent, but employees often build strong friendships here that extend past employment. Management: • This is also team dependent, but in most cases, you'll have the freedom of decision for how you want to attack a problem. • Leadership is transparent about company's goals and progress. There are regular company updates from leadership, although they are certainly...optimistic. Opportunities for Learning: • You'll be given real responsibilities that are actually relevant to the company's success.
Cons
NovoEd is one of those companies that will tell you all the Right Things, while doing the exact opposite. Culture: • Culture fit is regarded too highly here. The same types of people are hired (specifically those from wealthy/upper middle class backgrounds who went to elite schools), leading to a culture of exclusion for any person who doesn't fit into those boxes. • Org is clique-y to a toxic level. Deeply problematic people are protected by management even when there is proof of discrimination and/or bullying. Management: • There is a lack of transparency when it comes to promotions and raises. Promotions are seemingly based on friendships, and not commitment to the org or competence. • Certain managers "neg" employees when they ask for raises/promotions. "You're not good enough of a (job title)." "You're not even meeting minimum expectations." These are things that have been said to employees who have been at the company for 3, 4, and 5 years! If these things were true, these employees should be politely laid off, not insulted. Work Life Balance: • Employees are regularly expected to work during PTO-time. Career Growth/Progression: • Employees have to fight for promotions, even if they have quantifiable results showing why they deserve better. Pay & Benefits: • NovoEd pays well below industry standard. Managers will tell you it's because they're an education company, when other edtech companies pay better. • Employer contribution for the 401K has a 5-year vest period, which means they will only match your retirement contributions if you have been at NovoEd for at least 5 years. In short: there is no employer contribution. Ethics: • Everything on this cons list has been reported to HR, including instances of discrimination and bullying, and none of them have been resolved--unless you include employees leaving a resolution.