Avantages
They allow a flexible schedule that can revolve around peoples busy schedule. There is a high percentage of employees with advanced degree and they LOVE to talk. There's a friendly atmosphere in Bedford and McLean. Working for the government provides job security. The projects I have worked on range from well structured, well managed down to complete messes. Whatever the case I learned a huge amount of new skills and made some good friends that are very smart and capable. Community is a key thrust at Mitre, you are compelled to get involved. m i t r e c o r p
Inconvénients
Getting promoted involves getting to know the right people in the right way. It can get very political when it comes time for funds to be granted to projects or promotions to be issued. I have found it difficult to take a purely technical path, this approach is viewed negatively. You must be willing to kiss a little butt. This is difficult for me to accept since I never had this problem in the private sector. I've since talked with reps from private sector companies about employment but have received almost a stigma for working for Mitre. It's almost like they think I've been taking it easy and my skills have dwindled, this isn't the case, there's plenty of opportunity to learn as much as you want but just don't expect it to go noticed by your department supervisor. I've had a few moral issues with some of the work we're doing.