-The first job/department you start in can determine your fate. I watched some people move up incredibly quickly simply because they were liked by their manager/supervisor. I watched others, entirely more hard working, dedicated, and intelligent, remain utterly dormant for years for no good reason. It is definitely backwards.
-The pay is absolutely abysmal. Again, this is dependent on what department you start in and how quickly you move up - as mentioned above, I watched some of the best workers remain for 5+ years and barely make $40k. Absolutely atrocious.