Pros
I started at DSSW when it was still just SW...and truth be told, it was a VERY different world. But so was the world outside of Baker Ave in Concord, MA. It was a small company feel. Dynamic, high energy, full off potential. One of the greatest things at that time was the ability to move forward. To work with an executive team that was engaging, transparent (or at least did a really great job of attempting to be), and that we all believed in. But this isn't about how things were almost two decades ago. This is about now. And now things are different...but that isn't always bad. Companies grow, and as they grow there is more need for structure and process. Agility suffers while market share climbs. It's easy to view that perceived stifling of "culture" as regression, but ironically...that's progress. The company is sound. The parent company (Dassault Systemes) is stable and managed by a visionary leader who has very real plans that bring us well into the future. Benefits packages are very good. 401K, vacation, compensation...all very competitive. If you can get in, you will be in a place that you can stay a very long time...if you want to.
Cons
A lot of the info in the "Pros" also applies down here. Change is difficult; so much of the heartache that was felt was by many of the "old guard". At least that's what we thought. Transition has increased. The seat of power has shifted and it has become very difficult to effect change outside of the corporate offices in Velizy. I will say it is better than it has been in years past, and I presume that it will continue to improve. But ultimately the teams outside of the main campus will continue to be a "satellite office"...of nearly 2000 people with years of business and industry experience. The red tape is thick at times, and progress seems aimless on occasion (despite the fact that our corporate business plans are out as far as the point when cars will hover and fly). Decisions are made top down only, and that can lead to a feeling of uselessness.
