Pros
Working for US Cellular definitely has a lot of upsides, but just like most companies, it will greatly depend on what type of managers you have, what type of staff you are a part of, and what location you're in. The company is all about hiring staff thats ethical, diverse, and outgoing. I've worked at several locations and most people are young (20s-30s), friendly, and at somewhat competent. Since a lot of people are just coming from high school or college, you will occasionally run across those without a strong work ethic but it's usually not a problem that will impact you in anyway. US Cellular offers great benefits. They offer phone service, Blue Cross Insurance, 401k with company match, tuition reimbursement, dental & vision insurance, paid vacation, sick, & personal benefits, paid holiday along with opportunities to work some holidays and get paid overtime, stock purchase program, opportunities to win free electronics and sports tickets and many other great benefits.)
You will be paid base/hourly during your training period plus a bonus since you wont be making commission until you get out on the sales floor. The pay is good for what it is. If you suck at sales, are lazy, or maybe just at a slower store, you will probably make about $30-$35k. The economy is not so great right now so a lot of reps might be making that at this time. However, if you are motivated, good with people, and have a steady flow of traffic in your store, you will make at least $40-$45k. Some stores the employees make a lot more, but its hard to get into those locations. The training is about 30 days in the beginning, but you constantly receive new training. Some are mandatory and some are by choice. You could take extra trainings if you want and learn things just to personally advance yourself professionally. The growth opportunities are definitely there at this company. People are always getting promoted from within. They actually encourage it and prefer it to hiring outside of the company in most cases.
The managers are hit or miss. It really depends on who you report to. I can honestly say I've dealt with some of the best managers you could ever have at US Cellular, but I've also encountered some that seriously made me question the judgment of upper management. If you do get a good one, you're time with this company will be great. A lot of managers are very flexible with requested days off and last minute shift swaps with others. As long as there is coverage and you are working your required hours, they will usually work with you. You can't find this at many companies. If you get stuck with a bad manager, as long as you have a valid reason to complain, upper management and HR are usually pretty good about addressing these sorts of situations. But don't do it unless your manager really has reason to be evaluated or questioned.
Work/Life balance depends on your location and your attitude. If you are at a constantly short-staffed location, it can become difficult because they will always need you to come in and you will always feel pressured. If you don't help out a lot, they will look at you as not being a "team player". Trust me, they may not say it, but you won't be viewed that way to management and/or people that matter when its time for you to get promoted. This also goes for fairness & respect. This depends on who you work with. I would say overall, its not a big issue within this company. They have a very thorough hiring process, but some bad apples can still get in here and there.
Cons
The only downside there is to US Cellular is lately they seem to have lost their identity and are trying to come up with all these new ways to bran themselves. I just feel that during all those transitional periods, the company morale headed south. It's still overall a good company to work for, but those that have been here for a while know that its not as great as it was before. They are starting to lose touch with the front line employees and that has been one of their biggest strong points.
