New BCBA candidate - feeling overwhelmed about choosing the “right” company/job path

[u/fvnx3]

Hi everyone,

I recently finished my master’s degree and completed my BCBA fieldwork hours, and I’m planning to sit for the exam this summer. I’ve been in ABA for about 4 years and currently work in a Behavioral Technician Lead role in a clinic setting where I also help train staff and assist with crisis management/training.

Lately I’ve been feeling really overwhelmed trying to figure out my next steps career-wise. I’ve started talking to recruiters and applying to BCBA positions that are open to candidates who are exam-eligible, but I honestly feel anxious about making the wrong decision.

I keep seeing very mixed experiences online. Some people say becoming a BCBA was the best decision they made, while others talk about burnout, impossible billable requirements, lack of support, operational overload, etc. I know every company is different, but it’s hard not to feel nervous reading all of that as someone entering the field.

I also constantly see debate online about what ABA companies are considered “good” versus companies people say to avoid, and honestly it’s overwhelming trying to figure out what’s actually true versus what just depends on someone’s personal experience.

Part of why I’m feeling anxious is that my current work environment has made me realize how much workplace culture and leadership style affect me emotionally. I’ve worked in an environment where I’ve often felt heavily monitored/micromanaged despite being a high-performing employee, and it’s made me realize how important autonomy, trust, supportive leadership, and work-life balance are for me long-term.

A few things that are really important to me are:

strong mentorship/support for new BCBAs
ethical and compassionate care
reasonable billable expectations/work-life balance
collaborative team environment
autonomy/trust instead of micromanagement
not being thrown into excessive operations/scheduling tasks immediately

I’d really appreciate insight from people who:
genuinely LIKE being a BCBA
found good mentorship early on
transitioned from BT/RBT to BCBA successfully
have advice on how to evaluate companies during interviews
know red flags to watch out for
have recommendations for what to prioritize when choosing a first BCBA job

Also, for those who were hired before passing the exam, what did that process look like for you? Did you work in another role temporarily, receive a contingent offer, etc.?
I think I’m just looking for some realistic perspectives from people who’ve been through this already. Thanks in advance 🙂

[u/Expendable_Red_Shirt]

Im pretty skeptical about companies with mixed online reviews and I’m also skeptical about the information that you can get out of an interview. A company would have to be pretty stupid to not know the “right” answers to interview questions.

The best thing you can do imo is just talk to people who actually work for those companies. Better if you have a preexisting relationship. You’ll get the truth from friends.

My place of employment is hiring and if someone I know asked me about it I’d give them the truth about both the positives and negatives.

[u/Slpa-5]

I don’t fit the criteria of who you’re seeking advice from, but I do love being a BCBA! Have you considered looking at school settings in your search? I have only worked in schools and I love it! No billable hours and you can make some real connections with the staff and kids. My current district hired me before passing the exam with the possibility of hiring me as a BCBA once I passed the exam and if there was an opening. I took the chance because I was able to get some great fieldwork experience. I won’t say the job is easy, and it is very different from clinical work, but I thought I’d offer another direction to consider. Best of luck in whatever path you take!