Accenture

I spent 6 years at Accenture Federal Services. In my time, I received several promotions and numerous accolades for my performance. I was new to the software development field, and my teams were supportive, diverse, and effective. I was recognized for my hard work and left on good terms, looking for new challenges in the private sector.

Team culture was inclusive and supportive. Hard work was recognized, and opportunities to learn and grow were there. Benefits were great, and morale was more or less on point.

My only other career experience is at a much smaller company in a different sector, but Accenture's hierarchy seems very rigid. Your position has a number associated with it, and you are expected to move up those ranks. Maybe this is how it is at all big companies, but it made it feel like I had less agency in my career progression than I would like. Work hours were often long, and work became increasingly stressful. Weekend work became routine, and late nights necessary.