Pros
BAV is an ok place to work if you’re a) a recent college graduate who can’t get a job or b) upper management too lazy to do real work. For an entry level position this place is good to learn basic statistical analysis with Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS. It’s also a good job to learn PowerPoint and basic presentation skills. You will also get exposure to a few high-profile clients, although the work is quite meaningless and hard to call actionable. In terms of perks and benefits, the basics are there – like standard insurance, 401K etc. The building is new and we get half off food at the café after 4pm. You can make some life-long friends bonding over how terrible this place is.
Cons
BAV prides itself as a data-driven consultancy. However, the data collection process is outdated and questionable. There are 6 or so SPSS licenses to share among 20 analysts and consultants. This leads analysts/consultants to walk around the floor asking people to get out of SPSS. Senior management has limited understanding of the model and shows lack of integrity when it comes to data analysis. There is no opportunity to grow your career – we never get reviewed so we don’t know how we’re doing. Because there are no formal reviews, BAV tolerates bad behavior. Therefore, those who work hard and have potential feel zero motivation and end up quitting. It is basically impossible to get a raise/promotion. Even if someone deserves one, management says "Y&R, WPP.. We're down on revenue.." and avoids the conversation. The reason we are down on revenue, is clearly the account directors' faults because it's their job to win new business, but they fail to do so on every pitch. I'm honestly not sure what most of the account directors do on a daily basis since there’s 0 transparency. Since the recent organizational changes, there has been a lot of unnecessary politics involving egotistical senior management. If you happen to unfortunately end up at BAV, practice making this place sound more impressive than it is and QUIT.