Pros
This was a great place to start a career. They paid for my licensing, MBA, CFP through the years Good benefits but after a while those started to come down to earth. Good 401K match
Cons
A lot has been written about this company and most of what I read is spot on correct. The manager reviews were jaw dropping but also what I assumed was always happening (rankings, lists, manage out) I was a good worker and wanted to contribute and get ahead. I didn't play the network game and I wasn't a yes man. This was my fault but I thought results spoke for themselves. I had an MBA degree and CFP, solid reviews but I couldn't get promoted into the E level role for the life of me. It makes a lot of sense now but I couldn't figure what I was doing wrong. I was stuck in a job and I was miserable. Every year I would create this awesome "5 Point plan" (or something) with my manager on how I would exceed and get promoted. We would meet every month talk about progress, everything was great! Yet every year somehow I would miss the mark and remain in the same spot. I didn't do enough networking and I rattled too many cages by pushing back on a process or request it didn't make a business sense...to my detriment. I would do it differently, if I could do it again. Maybe leave the company after 5 years and after I got my MBA. I'm still bitter I was never afforded the opportunity to do something great at the company but after reflecting more its on me, and VGI probably wasn't the greatest fit. My advice to those just starting, young people in the company,those applying now, or even for the VGI vets- if you reach a point where it feels like you can't get a promotion or hired for that job you posted for, no matter how hard you work...I feel your frustration but its time to look externally. Oh yeah, you gotta play the game - network, be a yes man, and be happy and positive no matter what sh#t sandwhich they feed you.