Internal rotation and talent management in its worst times - Senior Data Scientist SAS Employee Review

1.0
27 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Strong brand name in analytics. Technically interesting work if you can carve out the right scope and you are proactive. Some genuinely talented people across the org but often not in position of relevance due to internal politics.

Cons

Internal mobility has become largely a fiction for anyone outside the US. The vast majority of open roles — including technical managerial positions, data science and analytics positions — are quietly restricted to US-based candidates only, with no meaningful transparency about this upfront. International employees are left to discover this after investing time networking and applying. Talent development and skills-based progression are increasingly being replaced by political alignment. Promotions to positions of real responsibility seem to reward proximity to the right people more than demonstrated competence or results. If you are not in the right circle, your ceiling is lower than the job description implies. For international talent considering SAS: the opportunities advertised globally often aren't. For ambitious people already inside: manage your expectations on where hard work alone will take you.

Explore other reviews about SAS

5.0
5 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Work life balance with recreation sports

Cons

Slow paced for new grads in field

3.0
4 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Beautiful campus, benefits are amazing.

Cons

Too many “lifers” at SAS, lost touch with best practices. Promotions based on personal relationships versus truly being the best person for the job. HR seems to protect itself and has grown its kingdom. Out of touch management. IPO seems extremely unlikely.

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