A great company that truly cares about its employees and members
Pros
USAA truly cares about the people who work there. I have never seen an employer go so far out of their way to make sure its employees have what they need. While other companies are only giving bonuses to executives, USAA gives them to the frontline employees because they understand how integral they are to the organization. What company does that any more? I mean seriously. Stop and think about it. And what a wonderful group of employees they are. USAA seeks out and attracts the best talent they can and these people come together and not only do they make an excellent team, but they try so hard to take care of the members, and they do a great job. I also appreciate that USAA wants to help its members, and they don't frustrate the employees efforts to do so. How many companies say they care about their customers when they really only care about their money? I can't speak for the character of all 24000 employees but the company as a whole, from the top to the bottom, is a model of integrity, honesty, loyalty and service. Every company is not like that. Every insurance company isn't like that...And while I left to pursue a dream career outside of what USAA could offer me, I realize that it is so important to love where you work, even if you don't love what you're doing. And the best thing by far is their tuition assistance program. Thank you USAA for helping me to pursue my dreams and learn how to be professional, responsible and know how an employer should treat me as well as its customers.
Cons
Scheduling is an issue. It's great that USAA offers 4 and 5 day work weeks, work at home, etc, but there is no excuse for not being able to give someone a day off when they can give a month's notice. Or even a few days off with a few months' notice. I mean, come on. I've worked places with only a few others who could replace me and they could handle this type of request, and in a place where there are hundreds of others who can do my job... Just get it figured out. Yes, we want to be available for the members but we'd also like to be available for what is important to us and our families. I was unable to go on any missions trips with my church because they only gave me 9 months' notice at the beginning of the year, whereas USAA asks that all vacation time be requested off the year before. That's great for Christmas and July. Not so great for any individual situations. Secondly, USAA tries to attract the best talent in the industry, then too often they let them stagnate in one position because there is so little opportunity for advancement or rotation off of the phones. Let talented people use their skills! Also, it's clear to the employees and members that sales are a priority. It is well understood that it's the right thing to protect the members' financial security, but sometimes positive reinforcement is a better motivator than negative reinforcement. Rewards need to be offered for closed sales or superior sales efforts.