Possibilities aren't translating in to opportunities under poor management. - Director TIAA Employee Review

2.0
Jul 25, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The company is shifting its business model from being almost entirely B2B, to embracing a B2C strategy. As such, a new brand identity and marketing positioning comes with it. So there's a ton of possibilities to do really great things. At TIAA-CREF, possibility does not equal opportunity.

Cons

Very poor senior management in the digital marketing group. (Stronger, more competent leadership in other areas of the marketing organization). A strong focus on the superficial without a strong understanding of the broader strategic needs. Poor relationships with other areas of the business. Not ready or mature enough to truly compete with the big boys in the B2C market. Too much of a focus on things that aren't important. No focus on talent retention. Poor to very poor management oversight. Employee morale within digital marketing is fairly low.

Explore other reviews about TIAA

5.0
Jun 14, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great work life balance, good benefits, decent pay, ease of running your own practice as an “advisor”, and healthy work environment

Cons

Management styles can vary and affect your experience, upper management doesn’t seem to be well equipped to ensure the organization’s success but it is resilient nonetheless.

2.0
Jul 4, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good starting salary and benefits package.

Cons

The longer you’re there, the more of an expectation that you work more for the same or less income. Producers find it hard to justify staying when leadership keeps moving the goal posts on how to increase income. No rhyme or reason as to how they decide “promotions.” One advisor might have one good year and get promoted over an advisor that produces year in and year out. They fail to share revenue because they’d have a hard time justifying the income level compared to outside advisors with a fraction of the book size. They claim and depend on brand recognition to justify a capped income but fail, or just won’t admit that is why they keep losing their top talent. Operations is a nightmare that I can’t even begin to describe. When I share the processes that have been in place for over a decade, colleagues in the industry shake their head and laugh. They can’t believe we earn and keep business. The saying while I was there was “the biggest threat we face is that TIAA clients start to explore their options outside of TIAA.”

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