Pros
-Training is superb if you show your enthusiasm! There are a lot of experienced people who have been around a long time and are passionate about their work and training the next generation. -Once you're in, you can move offices if there is an opening and you can even move between disciplines so long as you express your interest -Managers are VERY genuine and understand the importance of work/life balance as 90% of the managers have families. Working beyond 40 hours is rare, but you make straight overtime even if you have to or want to - just prove that you're worth your extra hours. Sometimes, certain projects will have room for you to work >40 hours. -Low travel if you want it. You can choose the lifestyle you want. -Projects are typically fun but under budgeted - but if you're not a manager, that's not something that you have to worry about. -CDM Smith has planned career paths (from day 1 to retirement), which is very nice. You can choose between being technical, a project manager, or a sales guy after you have gained the proper experience. -75% tuition paid for, memberships to organizations paid for, and if you are presenting at a conference, the company will cover your expenses. -It's all up to you. If you're even somewhat entrepreneurial, you can have a great time in consulting in the water industry.
Cons
-Projects can be under-budgeted, but if you show that you're worth the hours you work for, you should be able to charge everything. -Work comes in cycles, which means that you may be sitting around for a month without work. You still get paid, you just don't get to apply yourself, which is boring. -Bonus' in recent years have not been good. -Only the top 15% of the company gets access to stock.
