Two interviews; each a couple of hours long and very intense. After each I was promised an offer would be forthcoming, however afterwards there was radio silence for weeks. Finally I received a form email stating that they had chosen a better candidate (not true, as the job is still up on the online boards). I spent many hours and some money preparing for, traveling to, and partaking in these interviews—the very least I expected is a personal email from one of my interviewers letting me know the decision. Very shabby, impersonal treatment. The office is beautiful, but the vast army of worker bees all have their heads-down, typing away stressfully. They don't look particularly happy. It also seems like there is a strongly drawn line one has to toe—a very consultant way of dressing, speaking, and carrying oneself. Interviewers were very nice and seemed relaxed. They weren't fear-based interrogators (I've experienced these at several other companies). I had a good feeling about the company based on my interactions with them. There were a few questions that were tricky (see below), and one couldn't help but devise a BS answer to them. I wish they had only asked me to speak about my work, not about my personality or how clean my desk is. I get the idea that the base pay is very low. However, overtime is paid (and apparently there is a lot of overtime) and there are two bonuses. But I don't think the total package amounts to what I'd expect from a good firm with lots of work right in the middle of the city. How is someone supposed to pay rent out of the low base pay? Perhaps my stated expectations were out of line with what they were offering, hence the radio silence and form email.

I had one interview with two team members and was offered an internship shortly after. It was a great experience from start to finish. I especially enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere, collaborative culture, and creative energy of the Detroit office—it really affirmed my interest in working in a dynamic design environment.