Pros
SAS is a dynamic organization that is constantly evolving. R&D produces new products and solutions in a steady flow. Because SAS has been consistently ranked as one of the top companies to work for (ranked #1 two years in a row) it tends to get many, many applications for only a few positions. This enables SAS to select the absolute best candidates. The employee benefits package is remarkable: Great health benefits, profit-sharing, 401K, generous travel per diems, airline club membership, health club membership...not to mention all the great benefits on site in Cary.
Kontras
As a privately-held company owned by two men, the succession plan for SAS is not clear to the employees. Many Director-level and higher employees have built little fiefdoms that compete with each other while accomplishing very little. The Marketing department is massive and it is difficult to determine what work is performed by many of its staff. Accountability has been poor in the past, but this is improving. While the benefits are great, if money is what you want, SAS is not the place to be.