Pros
The company has a great reputation in Silicon Valley and has access to the most interesting and high-profile tech start-ups, which means deal-flow and engagements are top-notch. The people are also very bright and talented.
Cons
As much as SVB tries to guise itself as this leading-edge, innovative bank that is changing the world and growing the "innovation ecosystem," the culture and day-to-day is equivalent to a traditional bank. The infastructure and systems are dated, innovation and change is almost frowned upon, and the culture is unhealthy and toxic (it's all about playing the politics game and kissing a** in order to get a promotion). It is also VERY bureaucratic. Lastly, the pay is absolutely horrendous, especially in San Francisco. Everyone at SVB knows they're underpaid by about 10-20% compared to the market average, however, most accept a lower compensation package in hopes of increasing their exit opportunities in 2-4yrs (some folks do go on to prominent VC firms). Overall, would not rec'd working at SVB.