Pros
Exposure to the more complex financial markets and customers of a larger bank (First Tennessee, lead bank of First Horizon). Opportunities throughout Tennessee and parts of surrounding states. However, they have downsized considerably, after selling off their nationwide mortgage company, and only limited nationwide opportunities. The benefits package was is still good. Like most companies, they have dropped their pension. However, they still have a good 401-K and insurance package, plus pay for work-related college courses.
Cons
Strong "every man for himself" competitiveness and environment that prevents the company from providing a cohesive and properly supported product to the customer. This philosopy carries over into having a number of different departments or groups competing to seize power (and sometimes customers) from each other. Tends to produce a staff where each is defensive of their own turf, and does not want to share skills or resources and develop or bring in others. Can be a job opportunity for a highly competitive charger that can bring home the meat on a consistent basis. However, don't expect a lot of recognition or appreciation. Your opportunties for advancement will be limited to what cliques and power groups you associate with or can develop. The new employee is expected to "hit the ground running" and meet his or her targets from the very first day. The bank has also been implementing a lot of IT systems. They have their own unique systems that are complex. Training for this is rushed and weak when your first come on. It takes months to get up to speed on all of the different reports and systems -- how to get to the information, how to input it all in the different places, how to get it to simply give you info that you need. There are a few people that might help you, but the general philosphy is sink or swim. Training systems are strong for the lower level operational people (tellers, CSR's, clerks), mid-level and upper level employees are pretty much left to develop their skills on their own. (Similar to the comments on the IT systems above.) While a new employee can bring in a skill set with him or her, there are always new products and systems being offered and developed that require training.