BlackRock FAQ

Great people and mentorship, culture of learning

Hierarchical and difficult for lateral movement.

Very good training and culture

Promotions based on office politics, not merit

BlackRock has strong long-term prospects in the industry, good job security, and a stellar reputation should you seek to change jobs.

BlackRock pays less than competitors and asset management often does not lead to many logical next steps.

Increase development team headcount, add transparency to compensation.

Good senior management and leadership.

Non startup culture over here

- Exceptional at marketing, PR & managing public perception. - Industry leading ETF business. - Good healthcare coverage. - Senior (C-Suite) management seems to be genuinely putting in a solid effort in managing a complex and global business. - Lots of smiles.

- Incredibly challenging to build momentum given extremely fragmented interests, cultures and processes when working beyond the immediate team (which happens often). - Numerous fiefdoms making sub-optimal decisions which often involve prioritizing self-serving quick wins (marketable to bosses or clients) over strategic initiatives which require effort and time. - Plenty of mediocrity given the need to pander to the lowest common denominator in middle management decision making. - Culture works well for suave, politically astute extroverts pretending to collaborate across teams so they can talk about collaboration. - Below market compensation even if you significantly exceed baseline performance expectations. Don't call it pay for performance. - Everything is done with a smile.

Spend a little less time and money on marketing and self-promotion. Invest a lot more in the quality of the people.