Pros
One of the most important financial firms in the world – at the cutting edge of many trends, global footprint, many product areas. Great place to learn, if you can keep up with pace of change & complexity you can do very well here Very smart colleagues – PhD level knowledge on practically anything can be found within a few phone calls Good benefits, unlimited time off, decent work life balance Founders who are still working are truly impressive
Cons
Pay lower than market, particularly if starting out as junior employee and/or analyst out of college that works your way up the ranks Size of organization can be difficult to navigate, frequent re-orgs are a distraction (although usually done for sound reasons). Global/regional/local vs functional matrix is a minefield Becoming easier, but changing teams / roles not always straightforward; as firm grows it has become more difficult to obtain broad based experience and progress through roles in different parts of the firm management quality is uneven, even at fairly senior levels Promotions becoming increasingly difficult, particularly at more senior levels (D/MD) - v competitive process Identity crisis – becoming a “technology firm” not always convincing; huge focus on I&D is admirable but seems to be a box ticking exercise for many businesses; political views of LDF seeping into mission of company Financial pressures result in frequently shifting / competing product campaigns