Team lacked strong communication skills, mediocre skill sets - Vice President Northern Trust Employee Review

3.0
Jan 4, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good balance between work and personal life.

Cons

Employee compensation was below average compared to other firms, yet the hiring managers went after competition (but didnt want to pay for better talent). Employees lacked many of the credentials found in competitors (substandard). Bonuses were weak during my time there and from what my former colleagues told me, bonus target rates that were stated at the beginning of the year where never reached by anyone (essentially the average bonus rate quoted was really the "top" bonus. And no one hit it). Bonus was very subjective, goals were not clearly and quantitatively measured so it was often hard to disagree with your bonus).

Explore other reviews about Northern Trust

5.0
Jul 15, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good work life balance and strong culture

Cons

Easier credits to underwrite at the beginning

2.0
Apr 21, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Nice people and a good environment. Benefits are good and the work is interesting. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate NT as a 7. But, it’s typical big corporate crap that hands out 2% raises and minimum bonuses during a good year yet spends $360 million this past quarter buying their stock back.

Cons

Constant reminders to do more with less and cut costs and belt tightening while the execs line their pockets and you maybe get a 2% raise. I could see such actions if the firm was doing bad financially, but they aren’t. Record this and record that for many quarters now. And they walk around patting each other on the back like they all did such a great job when in reality, the markets are up so the value of the assets we manage are up. I’m wondering what sort of actions will happen when the market goes south for several quarters. Oh. And the constant state of surveillance here is BS. Tracking to make sure you are here 3 days a week. Keyboard / mouse / PC tracking systems receding your activity. It’s like a 21st century high tech sweatshop in some ways.

2
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