Pros
- The Milwaukee culture is different. They are lively motivating people - If you negotiate your salary you can be paid well - Training is thorough and many senior people are eager to mentor if you look for them
Cons
The cons depend on the branch, so they may vary wildly as does the pay. You NEED to negotiate your salary or they will shortchange you. As a newcomer, I was making over $11k over seasoned CAs. Though the culture in Milwaukee is great, the Indianapolis branches are a completely different story. FAs behavior goes unchecked from racism, asked to work outside your hours, micro-managing, clique behavior, and unprofessionalism. If you’re a POC, prepare for office politics and coworkers speaking to you with ill-informed preconceived notions on how you live your life. The third day I was there, one FA asked to “help” me with my financial planning but was truly sizing me up. He went on a rant about how his friends tell him he doesn’t know how to speak to people without means. And then proceeded to ask me if my family had means and when answered, he assumed I was of low economic class. It was baffling and I spoke to HR which he vehemently denied everything. Fortunately, I had documentation but it didn’t change the outcome. Honestly, it’s like whiplash how quickly they will attempt to build a case via HR against you if you speak out about micro aggressions and work insensitivity. I recommend, if you can, interview your branch thoroughly. Most comprise of older white male FAs that are 50+ and all female CSs whose pay pales in comparison to their FAs. You’re treated like a worker bee and hounded like the help. An older CS snapped at me one day over lunch. I was told that CAs and CSs had to WAIT until FAs finished eating lunch (if it was provided) right after their big Baird “drink the koolaid, we’re the best company” introductory training. This branch was also known for having people walk out in the first day. I tried to stay the year and lasted 3 months. Good luck if you’re not a white male that comes from money. They parade the rest of their POCs and their “diversity efforts” with gusto but no real change.