The disappointment that keeps on giving: No strategy, no plan, no future
Pros
Lot's of autonomy (as in the zero-guidance, sink-or-swim, you-figure-it-out kinda way). If that works for you, great. If you're looking for a nurturing, caring environment you can grow in, not so much. International exposure. Exposure to top clients. Good colleagues, depending on what team you're in. Good money and benefits if you're in sales. (For all other roles expect back-breaking work and days and weeks that know no end and little recognition or thanks.)
Cons
The only thing that matters at Universum is chasing dollar signs - at every cost. Strategy and just pure common sense are thrown out of the window, if a half decent opportunity knocks at the door. There is no integrity, strategy or foresight within the upper echelons of the company. Major decisions are made at a whim - without ever really consulting any market data. This is ironic, since Universum's products are all based on using data in decision-making... On the whole, the company doesn't practice what it preaches. There is hardly a HR function.... Universum is incredibly political for such a small company (or even for a big company). It works well for certain profiles. Everything is done to keep these individuals loyal to the organization. This is why Universum has incredibly high turnover at all levels. Good people leave - ALL THE TIME. Being part of Universum, is a roller coaster ride. One's often on the edge of "do I love it or do I hate it?" In the end, once one realizes that no matter how much life blood you give, the status quo is not going to change, you realize it's like the disappointment that never stops giving. Every time you think "Now, I've really seen it all", there is another surprise in store - and it's rarely a good one.
