A creative, modern start-up, with novel ideas and genuine intentions
Gut am Arbeitgeber finde ich
What I love most about WDL are (i) the people and (ii) how the organization is not afraid to try new, big things. The founders have spent a lot of time in the development space and can clearly see where things tend to be stuck or backwards. Their approach to democratizing and communicating data is novel and an exciting mission to work for. The team brings in a variety of skills and experience and the passion people bring to the table is infectious. I also like that the organization, from the start, tried to be present in both the private and NGO sectors, thereby not fully relying on public funds. Skill sharing, curiosity, and pushing the boundary of what we know how to do is at the core of the mission. This may as well sometimes fail -- but when it succeeds the output is incredible. Finally, the flexibility provided is truly appreciated on my accounts, and as far as I know many others. I have been able to live my life, moving around countries and continents, learning/studying and working on different projects also in other organizations, and WDL has always shown me the flexibility to stay involved in a win-win scenario. Contractual clauses can be adapted to one's needs and the organization has helped me multiple times figure out my legal status in the various places I've lived. In addition to that, I have been given exciting responsibilities and opportunities all over the world from early on. And I have leveraged the knowledge and skills I gained at WDL in many of my other engagements.
Schlecht am Arbeitgeber finde ich
Just like every small organization/start-up WDL has gone through its share of ups and downs. It takes time to find one's mission and vision, and to then understand who are the best people to work on achieving that. I don't doubt or deny that there have been disagreements or project misscoping at times which were rough on the team (long work hours, big changes in strategy, hickups in communication). Yet, from having worked with many different start-ups, I don't see anything particularly concerning. I have perceived real change in how the organization has built stronger structures, has been able to offer better and more generous contracts over time, has been improving in its communication and problem-solving ability, has always managed to find the necessary funding to pay staff and keep operations running.
Verbesserungsvorschläge
I genuinely believe in the good intentions of the organization. I can see how due to cultural differences and mismatches in expectations, conflict may arise. I encourage both the leadership and my colleagues to approach communication with both openness and transparency, and I can already see steps being taken in that direction. In disagreement there can lie a lot of "growth" in the non-financial sense. Giving each other the benefit of the doubt and listening closely, and then taking steps together to improve the situation may be all that is needed.
Arbeitsatmosphäre
International, online, collaborative, flexible
Kommunikation
Generally kind and supportive -- of course with the challenges of an "online first" and multicultural environment
Kollegenzusammenhalt
Colleagues are incredibly driven, smart, and international
Work-Life-Balance
Small organizations often tend to have stricter deadlines, but overall it's possible to distance yourself from your job.
Interessante Aufgaben
Projects are unique, require creativity and provide leeway for "making it your own"
Arbeitsbedingungen
I can work when I want to, from where I want to, and how I want to -- this is exactly what I need and want
Umwelt-/Sozialbewusstsein
There is a very strong intention to make a dent in both the private sector and international cooperation, and that intent is followed/put into practice actively within the limitations of a project-funded/client-driven organization
Karriere/Weiterbildung
Very high learning curves throughout