BlackRock Reviews

Pros

Very surprised by the positive reviews!!! Far from reality in the long-term. You do not need to be particularly bright to succeed. Do your time, play the martyr, wave those vanity projects and virtue signal like there's no tomorrow, and you will have a fruitful career at BlackRock. Good for Graduates and looks good on paper.

Cons

Majority of middle managers have very poor industry expertise and desperately suffer from imposter syndrome. Worrying when you see a first year analyst consistently correct Managers. Sets a bad example for any talent that comes in. Company is so large that bonuses and promotions are not based on merit or skill. Roles are highly productionized, making it one of, if not the most profitable Asset Managers. Long-term employees are stuck and cannot find a job elsewhere or be competitive due to their "factory floor" experience. Most end up as Team leads (aka glorified HR) as oppose to Investment professionals.

Pros

Ok benefits, large brand name so good as a stepping stone to better jobs

Cons

Not a very good place to work. Team feels lifeless/disgruntled, with hostile ways of working. Does not reward/nurture talent fairly which results in high turnover. Those left at BlackRock are generally disengaged. Not Pay for Performance - HR will use this to justify the terrible pay gaps. Gender Pay Gap in UK bonuses is 64% on average with no data elsewhere. Even worse if you're a minority. The work stagnates your skills with little transferrable skills. Not great long-term. BlackRock has a clear racial discrimination problem. Low retention in Black employees across the firm. Lack of career progression for Black employees. Shamefully low compensation in comparison to non-black equivalents. Wouldn’t recommend for anyone that’s black or LGBTQ if your identity is important to you. Success is based on how well you can mirror your manager and seniors who are largely White straight males. And finally: any complaints you flag with HR will result in them driving you out.

Pros

They’re a leader in their field and a few years at BLK enabled me to then be recruited by another (smaller) company who offered a big salary raise. BLK was a great stepping stone in my career.

Cons

It’s a huge company so it can be difficult to see your own impact. Now that’s a very personal thing. I like working in smaller size companies with more of an entrepreneurial spirit.