Great way to start a career in Financial Services, amazing benefits but limited growth opportunities
Pros
Best benefits by far! Not just in the industry but compared to many large companies. They basically fund your entire retirement with yearly 401k bonus for all employee's and company contribution both regardless if you contribute yourself (on top of company match for contributing yourself and yearly bonuses). Additionally, you get a ton of paid time off, good health plan options and lengthy, paid maternity/paternity leave. If you have a college degree and a good interview, they will hire you into a "customer service" role. Put your pride aside that you don't want to work in "customer service" and take it. You will learn so much in a short period about mutual funds, investments, retirement planning, etc. They hire mostly from within so growth can happen quickly (within 6 months) to better and higher paying jobs. They will pay for you to get your Series 7, 66 licenses. The people you work with make the job fun. Good atmosphere and opportunities to get involved in the community. This job will make your resume look good for future jobs but in most cases, that is about it.
Cons
Unfortunately once licensed, the roles are limited to "Sales" or "Leadership" roles. After a few years, most of the good and driven employee's leave to seek higher paying roles in the industry. Those that stay for more than 5 years, do so for the great benefits certainly not job satisfaction or advancement. The employee's that are client facing (phones which is most roles) are treated as easily replaceable (which funny because it is actually impossible to fire anyone). The interview process means little to nothing, it's all about your "buzz". HR needs to play a bigger role in the interview process internally. Lastly, the systems, processes and back office procedures are so outdated it's impossible to get anything done, escalated or resolved. The left hand doesn't talk to the right and no one knows answers to correct issues. Not a well oiled machine! Most of the time, your manager never worked in the job so has no idea how to help you resolve client issues (which there are a lot of).