Pros
- Learn a lot, by hands-on real problem solving - Autonomy to take decisions, you "own" your project - Very smart people around you, keen to share their knowledge - People trust you, thus they expect the best from you.
Cons
- Very, very long working hours. Expect to work overtime routinely, also on weekends. - Contrary from what is advertised, promotion has quite subjective criteria. - Project managers inherit hierarchy culture from big companies. Sometimes, decisions are just top-down. Not much room for discussion. - Projects are often away from your preferred place in town/country. Expect to travel a lot to get to the work place. Suddenly. This affects your planning/life management ability. - Starting salary is below market (and legal minimum) for Engineers.