IT Is An Awful Place to Work - Systems Administrator Silicon Valley Bank Employee Review

2.0
May 16, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

-Great individual contributors -Inspiring business model -fast paced

Cons

New CIO is in over her head. Totally disconnected from IT, promotes and hands large sections of her IT group that was highly motivated, cost effective, and functioning well to the worst IT leadership members in the group but great talkers which seems to now be the only way to now get recognized. Meanwhile, a few good IT leadership members (engineering and client services) that have fallen out of favor (not surprised) and im sure wont be around for long while the IT leaders who kiss up and talk about what they are going to do get love. Meanwhile, folks that have been in IT before the CIO came on board are constantly reminded how bad we are at what we do. That comes from the new CIO. Don't worry, ill be leaving soon.

Explore other reviews about Silicon Valley Bank

5.0
Jun 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Great Pay - Great People

Cons

- Post FCB Migration - Things have slowed down

1.0
Mar 31, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Pre-2023, excellent culture and team environment, strong compensation and bonuses, and generous budgets that supported employees well.

Cons

Since the 2023 bankruptcy, the company has struggled to regain its identity. There has been significant turnover in senior leadership, and much of the experienced management team has departed. This has led to inconsistent direction, frequent misalignment between leadership messaging and execution, and a noticeable decline in employee confidence. Compensation, bonuses, and career progression opportunities have become less competitive, and overall employee support has diminished. The organization now feels more like a rebranded extension of First Citizens rather than the distinct institution it once was. There is also an over-layering of management, with too many overlapping roles and unclear accountability, which slows decision-making and creates unnecessary complexity. Finally, the company has lost much of its competitive edge post-2023, with ongoing client attrition and reputational challenges that employees are left to address without clear strategic direction.

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