All the Cons of working for a big commercial bank with none of the benefits
Pros
At corporate level Umpqua can be a fun company to work for, but at local level experiences will vary depending on market leadership. Avoid big city markets (ie Seattle, San Fran, etc) and you will have a much more positive experience during your employment. There is a great culture with an emphasis on community involvement and new marketing strategies, which didn't translate into the larger markets.
Cons
Advancement is next to impossible because there isn't a clear path or policy which is followed by upper management at local level. Promotions are based on personal relationships rather than performance, and almost all higher paying positions are filled through external hiring in the larger markets. If you aren't hired into the position and pay level desired employees are not likely at achieve same goal through promotion or raises unless willing to move to undesirable area (ie middle of nowhere). Experience in the Universal Associate position is not considered useful by any internal departments within Umpqua or other banks regardless of whatever you are told during the interviewing process. It is 100% a retail position, and candidates will get the exact same experience working at a retail department store. If you are truly looking for a long term career in banking spend a few years getting experience in a more corporate bank (ie Bank Of America, Chase, etc) before looking into Umpqua. You will leave with skills, knowledge, and useful contacts that is truly impossible to attain within Umpqua. In the end you will be better qualified for upper level positions within Umpqua, and you'll have a company on your resume which other potential employers recognize and have confidence in.
