Pros
-you might make some great friends in other departments since they are not direct competition -the lunches can be amazing and client dinners are often at top restaurants -the pay is competitive. and you CAN do VERY well with a strong inside connection that makes sure you get paid/ exposure to good clients, if you are highly manipulative, or have seriously elite skills -I hear severance is ok if things don't work out. it is not the best but at least they give something. -vacation policy is great for USA but don't take too much or you'll get scrutinized -opportunity to network with clients at big banks to get a job there -no nights/weekends. late nights only exist if you entertain clients out of the office. -it can be an entry point into finance if you don't have a business, finance, econ degree, or any degree. just come ready to play.
Cons
-Overall, the firm is decentralized/disjointed. this is good at times but creates many other problems. -I would be better off with Target on my resume than ICAP which is little-known or even looked down upon by banks -many people struggle to find other decent finance jobs after ICAP -internal mobility rarely happens and promotions are infrequent -the broker training program lacks substance -good brokers become top brokers who might become desk heads who might become management. good brokers don't necessarily make sufficient managers/leaders. leadership is lacking. -task variety can get old. it becomes a boring factory job which is easier to swallow if you are a top producer. -it is still a "boys club" where insiders take care of each other well
