Pros
A community-invested bank, Washington Federal incorporates strong core values from the CSRs to senior management. There are very experienced, approachable individuals in the leadership positions, many that have been with Washington Federal for 25+ years. I started as a CSR in the branch and my manager made it such a high priority to cross-train everyone in the branch -- even on the loan coordinator or branch manager duties. The longer I stayed and learned more about this company, the more I grew such a loyalty to it -- I wanted to be a part of this great organization (something that is SO rare in the banking industry).
Washington Federal is a TRUE portfolio lender! We keep all our loans in house and don't sell any of them onto the secondary market. On top of that, they have also developed all these unique programs to truly help our clients to succeed. To name a few, there are rate modification and additional advance programs, both programs that allow our current borrowers options that could fit their needs without having to go through the expensive process of refinancing everytime they want to do something different.
If you're interested in working here, remember that Washington Federal welcomes cross-training -- they are excited to be able to promote within. So ask questions! Be motivated and keep yourself busy by learning as much as you can! As a CSR, you might not think there's as much for you to accomplish while you're here and you might think of taking what you've learned to move to another bank. You won't be able to find another bank and work environment like this one though. There is a wealth of knowledge that you could be learning, so stay with it! This company is rock solid and there is no limit to the career opportunities here. When I started, this was just a job but because of what I've learned this will now be my lifelong career.
Cons
Although the fringe benefits are above average here, the conservativeness of the bank extends to the small pay scale the employees are on. With the unpredictability of the economy, job security has never been a worry (Washington Federal has not had any lay-offs in history), although I've noticed there have been times that certain individuals should have been let go for the benefit of the company and its clients. It doesn't help anyone when there's a bad egg in the company.
