Pros
The opportunity to work with leaders of some amazing organizations in Philadelphia, and gain a big-picture sense of how different organizations and government agencies interact with one another to create the city as we know it
Cons
The work environment is absolutely dreadful. I am an overwhelmingly positive person who can find happiness in most settings, but Fairmount made me miserable. Literally dreaded waking up in the morning, and took bathroom breaks as often as possible during the day just to escape the monotony of the work and the negativity of the office culture. Senior staff do not know, or do not care, about creating a respectful, motivating environment. They hire incredibly talented junior staff, and then consistently underestimate and micromanage them. The work itself is often boring and tedious, which would be unfortunate even in the best of office cultures. But to have such intellectually talented staff resigned to such lifeless, drudging work, while ALSO consistently disrespecting them--I don't know how the senior staff think this is acceptable. The toxic culture is particularly disheartening to see in a company whose mission is to guide and shape other organizations. Frankly, leadership at Fairmount should know better, and I can't wrap my head around why they don't see the connection between their atrocious leadership and staff turnover. Most junior staff leave in less than a year, and still that feels like too much time wasted on a company that doesn't believe in or value its staff. If you are considering applying, save yourself now! Take your talents to an organization that will inspire and value you. Whoever you are, I'm sure Fairmount doesn't deserve you.