DC are different in that respect. Although many companies pay lip service to personnel development in their glossy brochures, DC really treat it as a commitment, backed up by significant support, and pressure, from the Chairman down. In my first 6 months here, I'd received more constructive feedback than in the entire 5 ½ years in my previous role. What I find particularly encouraging is that the support and development is very much driven by me, so my career is moving in the direction I choose and at the speed I dictate, within reason.
Most of the people here have never worked anywhere else. I found it something of a culture shock being dropped into the environment with already developed work practices and preconceptions. The DC culture is very strong, and it is something the company is rightly proud of. In order to get on, I had to learn the DC way of doing things I thought I already knew how to do, which was pretty hard on my ego. The company is open to ideas for change, however. As someone with different experiences, I am well-placed to make suggestions for how things could be improved. Proposals which are well-founded and sensible rarely fall on deaf ears around here.
Now, after 4 ½ years, I'm back to managing a software development team. I work from home 3 days a week, which provides the right work-life balance for me, and DC are happy to support me in this. I don't really have an average day. I could be working on low-level technical tasks, helping out with pre or post-sales technical support, getting involved in requirements planning for future releases, working on personnel development for someone in my team or doing the day to day work required to run a development project.
I would definitely recommend anyone who is really looking for a job which is going to challenge and develop them to consider DC. Do take care though. You might be successful, and then you'll find that they really do challenge you! It'll be worth it though.
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