Pros
there is quite literally none
Cons
I recently attended an assessment centre (AC) for this program, expecting an inclusive and fair evaluation process. After passing the initial online assessment, I was invited to participate in a group task alongside 25-30 other candidates. Unfortunately, the experience was anything but transparent, structured, or fair, ultimately leaving me disheartened and frustrated.
From the outset, there was a glaring lack of transparency. Instructions were vague, and the assessors provided little information about the criteria by which we would be evaluated. Without a clear sense of what they were looking for, it was challenging to understand how to showcase our strengths effectively. This uncertainty created an environment where candidates were left guessing rather than confidently contributing, which was especially isolating for those of us who may process information differently or rely on structured guidance.
Despite the ambiguity, I committed fully to the process, doing everything within my control to represent myself authentically and to make meaningful contributions. I actively participated in discussions, brought forward fresh, innovative ideas, and maintained positive body language to engage and support my team. I focused on collaboration, listening, and constructive input—all qualities I believed aligned with the goals of a team-based assessment. Yet, it seemed that despite these efforts, only candidates who fit a certain profile were recognized.
The assessment itself was far from standardized or fair. With such a large group, the assessors appeared untrained, relying on subjective judgments that seemed based more on superficial qualities—such as appearance, race, and personality style—than on actual contributions. This introduced a clear bias, filtering candidates based on factors unrelated to skill or potential. As a neurodivergent candidate, the lack of structure, transparency, and inclusivity created additional barriers, making it difficult to feel truly engaged in an environment that seemed to prioritize extroverted or conventional personalities.
Further compounding the frustration, the company refused to provide any feedback. After investing time and effort to contribute fully, the refusal to offer feedback left candidates without any insight into how we might improve or why we weren’t selected. This lack of transparency, combined with subjective selection methods, feels deeply dismissive and unfair, especially for candidates who invested genuine effort in the process.
In a company that claims to value diversity and inclusivity, I expected a transparent and structured AC format that would allow all candidates to demonstrate their abilities equitably. Transparent communication and fair, standardized assessments are crucial to fostering an environment where candidates from all backgrounds, particularly those who are neurodivergent, can thrive. Unfortunately, this AC failed to meet these standards, leaving many of us feeling unsupported, unvalued, and disheartened.