Northern Trust, a great place to be average. - Officer Northern Trust Employee Review

2.0
Aug 15, 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There aren't too many, nice building, nice enough people, pretty safe in terms of you may never lose your job during the credit crunch,

Cons

It's for average performers because it's not a meritocracy. One usually progresses based on time worked. It can take up to 12 years for a half decent promotion, and that's to another average position. Not really a place for self starters who want to move fast through the chain. Also there are way too many job titles & the structure is very very very unflat - i.e. lots of AVPs, VPs, etc. No matter what you do, you will find yourself at the bottom of an extremely long food chain.

Explore other reviews about Northern Trust

5.0
May 29, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great place to work, especially starting your career.

Cons

I have no cons— fabulous people.

2.0
Apr 21, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Nice people and a good environment. Benefits are good and the work is interesting. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate NT as a 7. But, it’s typical big corporate crap that hands out 2% raises and minimum bonuses during a good year yet spends $360 million this past quarter buying their stock back.

Cons

Constant reminders to do more with less and cut costs and belt tightening while the execs line their pockets and you maybe get a 2% raise. I could see such actions if the firm was doing bad financially, but they aren’t. Record this and record that for many quarters now. And they walk around patting each other on the back like they all did such a great job when in reality, the markets are up so the value of the assets we manage are up. I’m wondering what sort of actions will happen when the market goes south for several quarters. Oh. And the constant state of surveillance here is BS. Tracking to make sure you are here 3 days a week. Keyboard / mouse / PC tracking systems receding your activity. It’s like a 21st century high tech sweatshop in some ways.

2
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