Pros: You'll learn how to work with many different kinds of people there. As is common in large companies, some people are easy to work with, and some not so much. But with one or two exceptions, everyone I ever encountered there was very good at what they did. My interactions with people at Citadel helped prepare me for the rest of my career.

Cons: It's a very fast-paced environment. I don't think I would have been able to 'make it' had I joined straight out of college. Coming in as a senior developer meant that I had to learn quickly how to deal with some very difficult people with abrasive personalities. As long as you can focus on your job, though, you should be fine.

Pros: Best place to work in Chicago in terms of risk/reward. The rewards are obviously great, and the company is now big enough to make it through.

Cons: The obvious flip side is work-life balance can be tough at times, but generally it's OK. Also, if you are not self-driven and need to be told what to do, this is not a great fit.

Pros: Comp is very good. Free food is decent.

Cons: No work-life balance (you would work 10-11 hours a day minimum). Constant jokes from peers (and management) of "do or be fired". Interests are very short-term. Failure is not an option. CYA culture everywhere. Zero planning. No transparency from above. Very poor communication when people come and go. One day you are sitting next to someone, the next day they are gone. No notice, no nothing – just like that.