Pros: One of the major pros is that you get to own projects, regardless of whether you are considered 'management'. That certainly makes things exciting.

Cons: Almost all the focus is on getting stuff out there 'fast!' Good coding style and good software design aren't as important. While that may work in the short run, in the long run it causes a lot of headaches in terms of software maintenance. But the management doesn't care about that. They just want you to churn more software out, as fast as you can. And of course, there is nothing called 'testing'. It's the developer's job, of course. And you still have to get things out there 'in time'.

Pros: The company seems to take reasonably good care of you, with a good compensation package and benefits, and a bright, lively working environment. There is a lot of expertise around to learn from if your objective is to develop an understanding of financial markets. The work is fast-paced, and you will seldom find yourself bogged down in your job. The ability to handle pressure and look at problems from a business perspective is valued. Good kitchens.

Cons: The codebase is old and can be frustrating at times. Core technical people who want to develop their technical skill set will be put off by the demand to get the solution out to customers, often sacrificing quality. If you're in a team that works on legacy products rather than new ones, the skills you pick up will be in proprietary tech that is not transferable. The flat hierarchy (3 levels from a new, fresh-from-college hire to the head of R&D) may not leave room for advancement that you can show on your resume.

Pros: Flexible work hours, various career growth paths.

Cons: Micromanagement: Not good at helping you grow.