Vantaggi
For the right person working at GCiS provides you with a good working experience that hones your analytical and writing tool set. The firm provides high quality analysis that using data collected by its large research staff through in-person or phone interviews, which is cross checked with secondary sources. By working with the firms experienced leadership you learn a lot about the consulting business along with the current concerns of businesses in other industries. This is particular the case in the manufacturing and heavy industries, which is where most the firm's clients operate. Happily, they try to make sure their you receive all of your salary.
Svantaggi
GCiS is dispersed among three offices with the head office in Shanghai (Business development, sales, marketing), Beijing (writers and a few researchers), and Wuhan (researchers). The Beijing office was its initial office, Shanghai was opened to be close situated to its customers, and Wuhan was opened to be closer to the interviewees and since the labor cost is lower. The dispersion can make it difficult and confusing for things to run in order as there is only one person in charge of all operations, and who is only supported by 2-3 project managers. As a result, at times there is poor communication between the three parts of the firm, making it difficult for all of those involved to accomplish their tasks. While occasionally there is training, feedback is little to none, and the heavy work load makes it difficult practice what you might have just been taught. Writers unlikely to see support in securing a visa, are only offered consulting contracts without benefits, and none of the staff receives any overtime (which occurs often). Overall the firm is understaffed, with a lot of the work will falling on the shoulders of a select few and making the whole office constantly feel tense. For a few years now there has almost been a consistent high turnover rates, it's to the point where the management no longer introduces new employees nor informing others when staff leave. Unfortunately, this can make the management come off as uncaring. In terms of opportunities, the leadership's ambition is unclear but to be satisfied with its current number of clients. The is a noticeable absence in customers who are involved in the service sector, which is an opportunity that the firm is missing. With that said, there is no risk of the firm losing revenue as its current customers will always be there.