Pros
Everyone at Q is bright, motivated and hard-working. The people there are great to work with and create a pleasant workplace environment. A team-attitude is pervasive and you can always find someone willing to help or fill in when necessary. The pace is fast and the work is both interesting and challenging. Things are constantly changing and people are pushed to their potential, so there is no time to get bored. There are a variety of roles within the company, so smart, flexible people may find themselves doing different things, but the opportunities are always challenging and this can provide new opportunities to thrive. The organizational structure is flat with junior people frequently interacting with experienced people. This makes new people immediately feel like part of the team and passes on important skills that have proven to lead to success.
Cons
Q has a distinct culture that is not necessarily for everyone. The hours can be long, definitely not a typical 9-5 gig, and you may occasionally feel like you have an electronic leash. There can be intense times in the office. You should be prepared to shift gears quickly when needed and be comfortable working under time pressure. Time management and communication are keys to navigating the stressful times, and successful people at Q are very proficient in these areas. The recruiting process is transparent, so there shouldn’t be any surprises after you have gone through it. The HR group does a great job identifying candidates who will be a fit, so if you make it through, that is usually a good indication that Q is a place you can succeed.