No more than a stepping stone on the path to better opportunity
Pros
- EASILY the best pro is simply the firm's name on your resume, which looks GREAT to other employers in finance/investments. - Young, diverse, energetic and intelligent workforce compared to most companies of similar size in the industry. Morningstar's undergrad recruiting strategy focuses heavily on top-tier liberal arts universities (e.g., University of Chicago, Northwestern), rather than schools with traditionally strong business programs. - Flexible time off schedule (there is no official policy stipulating PTO days granted), includes discretionary six week sabbatical every four years of employment. - Modern office design and casual dress code creates a welcoming work environment.
Cons
- Compensation across the board is SIGNIFICANTLY below market. Bonus targets are unrealistically high, and the methodology on how targets are derived is overly complex and seems to change every year. - Senior management seems to lack a clear understanding of how to implement and execute mandated business plans, which leads to continually changing goals and timelines to achieve them. - Flat organizational structure does not provide clear paths for upward career advancement. - Management is either unwilling to allocate, or worse, unable to recognize the amount of resources required, to effectively manage the business and adequately support clients. - Flexible time off schedule is abused by some employees, leading to longer hours / more work by others. - High turnover at all levels, especially among recent graduates who often become disappointed by remedial entry level work and lack