Pros
If you get the opportunity to work at Citispire, seize it. For those of us who are young, ambitious, and eager to dive into the world of project management, there’s no better place to be.
Dan is genuinely invested in your career development. He’ll ask you, “what kind of projects do you want to do, what skills do you want to learn while you’re here?” From there, he’ll align your goals with the most effective opportunities within the company. If you express an interest in honing your graphic design skills, don’t be surprised if the next day, you’re tasked with creating concept design decks for a major project. Dan is committed to ensuring you get the chance to prove yourself and grow with the company
Dan also cares deeply about your well-being. When I expressed my desire to be on-site with the lead project manager, I was disappointed when Dan say no, citing concerns about potential injury and lack of work insurance coverage. However, instead of leaving it there, I ended up with work insurance by the end of the week, and clearance to go to the construction site! Dan not only values your growth but also takes steps to protect you along the way.
Moreover, Dan never condescends. As a young professional, it’s common to feel lost in meetings when unfamiliar names or references are mentioned. While it’s tempting to just nod along and try to catch up later, Dan takes a different approach. He makes an effort to explain who each player on a project is, and if you ask, he’ll even provide documents related to the project ahead of time - even if they don’t directly pertain to your role - so you can follow the conversation more actively. He also facilitates introductions, advocates for your skills, and creates opportunities for you to build your network.
Regarding some of the negative reviews, it seems that they stem from ego or difficulty in accepting constructive criticism. Yes, you’ll be expected to work hard, and yes, not all of your work will always be used. But this isn’t a personal slight - it’s an element of the learning process. Dan will praise your efforts, provide feedback, and offer guidance on how to streamline and improve your work.
And of course, the rest of the team is amazing! Super supportive folks who are ready to put on a multitude of hats to get different projects rolling.
Cons
It can be a bit discouraging to put in a lot of effort on a project and find out it’s not exactly what was needed. However, it’s all part of the process, and the best approach is to communicate any problems with him clearly. He can’t read minds!
