Pros
After reading the reviews on-line, I definitely felt compelled to write a review for DWA/Avant. I feel it is important to know the pros and cons, but also to understand that this industry is extremely competitive and definitely requires expertise, a strong business acumen and commitment to succeed. I do think there are people in this organization who care and do want to succeed, so I definitely want to give them credit for that. And many of their processes are grounded in good methodologies (PMP, six sigma, etc). I also think they have hired some good creative people. But beyond that, there are a lot of red flags that need to be understood before considering this company.
Cons
First of all, the CEO does not have scientific or industry expertise. She has been at this for a long time, and basically, the company has maintained meeting management as it's core business function. However, because of that lack of expertise, there is also a lack of direction. Not really understanding your vision and where you want to grow adds to a very splintered business model. They have tried to compete with other companies who definitely have much more of a focus and have invested in that focus. Unfortunately DWA has not, so they flounder and try to become the next agency, or speakers bureau, or film company. You cannot succeed when you want to be everything to everyone, and it has left them with a lack of expertise and identity. They have hired mostly "ex-Lilly" people who either didn't cut it there, or needed to stay in the area. Some are good, but none of them are visionaries in the industry. The pay and benefits are ok, but not great. And the atmosphere is very "cliquish" for sure... It doesn't have to be that way, but this behavior is steeped in the people at the top. I think there are many other options that should be considered before going here.