Pros
Working in the ISS division offers excellent insight into different sponsors in the pharmaceutical industry. The company has made strides to improve its company culture and diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives, which foster a stronger sense of community. Advancement is possible and encouraged, however, networking and clear communication with management and talent acquisition are essential.
Cons
Salary growth has stagnated. Meeting and surpassing goals and expectations rarely leads to commensurate remuneration. A frustration of working in the ISS division is that the benefits of sponsor employees are noticeably different from ICON employees. Notably, sponsor employees receive annual bonuses for achieving study goals whereas ICON does not offer the same bonuses. Sponsor employees also often receive company stock, which again is not available to ICON employees below the director level.