Pros
Note: I worked for Course Technology, which is a small company within the very LARGE Cengage Learning. Overall: It's a great environment if you're young- there are lots of activities, both work-sponsored and not to join in on, and it's an ideal place to make friends if you're in your 20's. (I'm still very good friends with a few people I worked there with.) They don't micro-manage; I never felt that anyone was watching to see what time I left or came in, websites were not blocked, and you could work from home if your boss okayed it. Cookie day and beer blasts don't hurt either- and I loved the relaxed dress code. All in all, I felt that I was treated like an adult and judged on the work I produced--not on the number of hours I was in my seat. Education/Training: I had a photoshop class paid for so I could create more compelling marketing collateral, and I know they do tuition reimbursement as well. Information was shared freely between departments and people, and it was a positive and nurturing environment overall. While many of the employees are young, the senior managers tend to be a little bit older (most in their late 30's or early 40's) and more experienced, and it's very helpful to take advantage of their knowledge. Location: Leaves a bit to be desired, especially with all the construction, but it IS only a 10-minute walk to Downtown Crossing, and and a little less than that to South Station, which is convenient for those who take public transport. If you have the patience to switch to the silver line, you can be let out right on Thomson Place- a few paces from the door. And the somewhat new addition of Flour bakery just a street over is a definite plus. The Corporate Factor: Cengage offered all the benefits you'd expect working for a large company: corporate Amex card, parking discounts at the garage next door, discounted movie passes, great holiday parties/actitivities/outings, great health plan, a company cafeteria with a very respectable salad and sandwich bar on the premesis, etc.
Cons
#1- low salaries. I guess it's a problem with publishing in general, especially anything education-related, but the compensation was lacking. Also, it can be hard to move up. There is a pretty prescriptive career path, and unless your boss quits, it can be difficult to move up the ranks without switching specialty areas. (For example, moving from Computer Science to English, which is a whole different group.) I have to say, I was promoted from Marketing Coordinator to Marketing Specialist within a year of being hired--but the "raise" was nominal and resulted in me moving from hourly pay to salary, which actually may have lowered my salary considering the amount of travel I did.
