Pros
The analysts on the desk in retail credit are some of the best people I have worked with. The vast majority are extremely competent in not only their field but many disciplines. Due to the economic downturn in Metro Detroit, this company has had access to a talented cross-section that they would not have been able to touch normally. They are sadly mistreated, underpaid and under appreciated. The people of Retail Credit and Funding are the backbone of the organization For the most part, management is understanding of individual needs for time off. Most understand that the current and future schedule is the creation of A) The Devil himself B) Someone who doesn't recognize the need for personal time b/c they don't work weekends C) Just doesn't care D) All the above They really do try to make arrangements to help you get time off. Supervisors are, unfortunately, wardens of a penitentiary that will abuse them if they dont abuse us. You do learn strong phone, sales and negotiating skills while on the desk.
Cons
Where to begin.....well lets start with the contracting houses. To put it plainly, the contracting houses lie. Aerotek, Mergis and Robert Half all lie to their contractors. They reel in unsuspecting professionals and new grads with promises of opportunity, advancements and hiring within 60-90 days. Most classes have had to wait nearly a year to be hired. During that time period, you are a cross between a whipping boy and a marionette who has to walk on eggshells because any morning your contracting house can call and say that you are finished w/o any explanation. Supervisors: There are a few supervisors who do an outstanding job at supporting their analysts and allowing them the discretion to be analysts. The vast majority have absolutely no idea what it means to be a manager or a leader. Most were people who were rewarded for sticking around during the dark days of CF. "Coaching" does not mean micro manage, chastise, castigate, or publicly ridicule an employee for circumstances that are genuine mistakes. The coaching environment is a debacle, Combine lack of communication from higher ups with people who have no idea what it means to "coach" and you get people mirco-managing weak information or misinformation. Some have completely let the concept of coaching, perpetuated by higher ups, go to their heads. No matter what is correct or fair, it is their world. It is my opinion that the company should spend less on Xmas parties and send the supervisors to a leadership development course. Schedule: It is a nightmare, you will have no life. every week the days off are different. The entire schedule is planned a year in advance with your input after the fact. Not to mention that the shifts are 10 hours. People are leaving, you see it and you know why.........