Q&A With 1901 Group Employees

Going to disagree with the previous commenter. A significant number of promotions into operations and development teams have come from the service desk... if I recall correctly, they were giving a statistic of 30-some percent of promotions were folks moving from the service desk. The individuals I personally know who have come from the service desk have been great at their jobs and showed strong motivation to improve and grow into new roles. Nope, not everyone will get promoted up. Those who distinguish themselves absolutely get noticed and have the opportunities their hard work earned them.

What it's really like to work there on the 1901 Group wack a mole service desk

That it's nearly impossible to get off the service desk. If you happen to be a young attractive female, then your odds go up substantially, as it's good for the company image. Other then that, sure hope you're really really good at playing internal politics because you'll be waiting for a loooonnnggggggg time. People really need to do their homework before taking a position with 1901 Group unless they are desperate for a job. Don't take my word for it, I don't expect that anyway.... RESEARCH!! Ask around Blacksburg.... Question why the turn over is so High... What amazes me is that the local media and the "Roanoke / Blacksburg Technology Counsel" totally turns a blind eye to the reality in the name of feel good politics. Just listen to the CEO "An innovative factory approach to Information Technology." Uhhh...hellooo.... a factory approach? Does that sound like a good work environment to you?

Whatever they can come up with to de-stress

They drink at company functions, and look for other jobs.

Depends on how desperate they are for their next victim, and how many slots they need to fill.

Depends how quickly they need another body to throw to the wolves

Depends on the companies need for additional service desk victims

Depends how quickly they need another victim

That's pretty funny. If you ask for a raise or hint for a raise they try to turn it around on you... "Okay Joe, you want a raise... so what does Joe need to do to get a raise?" Basically they hint that if you get more certifications (such as AWS) you'll get a raise... uhh...no.... typically you're stuck on the service desk, any pay increases are minimal and they've lost a lot of good talent because of this. In fact, 1901 let a bunch of California employees go on an important contract because they were being paid at a higher pay scale (it's a higher cost of living in California) ...and then tried to blame it on the company that brought 1901 in for assistance.

They don't get raises unless they get additional certifications which they pursue on their own personal time.

That's pretty funny. You won't get promoted at 1901 group unless you are very very good at internal politics. Everyone on the service desk at 1901 wants off the service desk, and very few succeed. Those that do, generally do because they look good in sales literature

Hahaha....VERY Hard... expect to stay on the service desk

Those that don't question procedures that don't work properly, and are fine with taking in excess of 40 calls a day from irate , self entitled federal employees.

They like to hire flunkey types that don't question the lack of procedures or support they will be given when irate customers call

Actually, not until the customer demands it. I know several people who worked at 1901 with quite questionable drug histories. Then the federal agency wanted the team to all go through the federal secret level checks... that seriously decimated the team.

Yes

As a last resort. 1901 group is not a company to look to for a career. It's more of a stepping stone. Don't believe me? Okay, sign up, youll find out yourself.

Your best option is NOT to be hired by 1901. They are a terrible company to work for.

Two kinds of people: #1. People that are very good at office politics and manage to get off the service desk. #2. People that manage to leave 1901 Group. The service desk is an absolutely terrible place to work.

Anyone can u just have to want to do it

Very poor. It's an IT sweatshop environment. BroKen Procedures, constant stress, lack of training and lack of guidance, you won't get raises or promotions without more certs they can use to promote the company. Literally, no raises

Great

The other poster's answer.. that's pretty funny. It was obviously answered by management or someone in HR. Suggestion: Find someone who works on the service desk and get them to level with you. He/she will be taking a risk, but pretty much everyone on that service desk (which is the group 1901 continually hires into ) wants off it. Anyone on that desk remains solely with the dream of moving into another slot, such as the service level manager or the server maintenance team. People sit on the call center desk for YEARS hoping for that chance. Most eventually burn out and quit.

It has been a great experience

A paycheck at the end of the day

How do you respond under multiple stressful situations

Yes, it's really like Dish Network

Who comes up with these questions? Success and growth in the customer support department? 1901 is a CALL CENTER. There is very little growth in the 'customer support department.' Success is diverting blame for the procedures that don't work properly and getting the customer off the phone.

Super mellow under stress, and able to totally leave work at work. Realize that you aren't going to get good or effective guidance. Don't actually care about whether or not the customer is effectively supported, just whether or not you were able to get them off the phone and pass the buck effectively.

"Our needs are changed, and sadly we will have to let you go." I know 4 or 5 guys in California who are better equipped to answer this question.

Pretty much non-existent. It takes years to get off that service desk, and only a few lucky ones manage too.

What is the on boarding process. Do you mean like training? It's pretty sink or swim. You are on your own at 1901 group

That's pretty funny.

I'm not proud about working at 1901 Group. I'm rather frustrated that the truth hasn't gotten out about working at 1901 Group.

Company mobility at 1901 group? That's rather amusing. As in advancement?

Average. You have insurance but nothing to write home about

Average