Pros
Benefits are good and salaries in core areas (Underwriting and Claims) are better than other insurers. Once in, most are here for the long haul because of the competitiveness of the benefits package.
Cons
Opportunities are limited to those who have insurance industry education. The same value is not placed on advanced academic degrees. Little consideration is given for those who have a higher degree of business and industry acumen (and leadership aptitude) without the designations. This creates a huge gap in logic, considering the knowledge retention rate is so low among those who have the designations. I've been told by several higher level leaders, obtaining the designation "shows just how much you will do to be considered for advancement." (And years of work to get a Masters or PhD does not?)