Pros
Q is genuinely a great place to work. The environment is positive, respectful, and free from the yelling or belittling you might find elsewhere. It’s highly collaborative, people don’t compete for deals or try to undermine each other. Instead, everyone works toward the shared goal of improving the firm, which is refreshing compared to workplaces where you have to constantly watch your back. The open-office setup was different from what I was used to, but it ultimately made the experience better. The team is strong, and the layout encourages conversation, learning, and camaraderie. You naturally pick up knowledge from colleagues nearby, and people are always working on interesting projects. If you overhear someone in credit or real estate discussing an investment idea, you’re welcome to ask about it. I learned a lot simply by being surrounded by smart people who were open to sharing.
Cons
The hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Leaving early or stepping out for appointments is tightly controlled. This is communicated clearly during the recruiting process, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise.