Affiliated Managers Group Reviews

Pros

Smart, driven, risk-oriented people; intellectually challenging environment; innovator in its industry so there is always something new going on; long hours and stressful at times but very respectful of personal commitments- they strike the right balance; compensation is very good, benefits are phenomenal, and expectations about both are very clear; IT and HR departments are the best I've ever worked with.

Cons

The only downside to AMG is that because it is so successful, people don't leave very often, so there is very little upward mobility. It is also a relatively lean organization so there aren't many management levels (a good thing mostly). Thus, if you are a subject expert and are happy with a role that allows you to flourish in your subject area, then this is a great place to be. Similarly, if you want a job that you can leverage into a better opportunity down the road, this is a great stepping stone. However, if you are looking for a place to join and move around or "climb the ladder," you will be frustrated.

Pros

This place is located in a converted mansion and has a gym, personal chef for gourmet lunches and kick-ass health benefits.

Cons

This place is run by a bunch of elitists, all thinking very highly of themselves. It's one of the most inequitable companies, where the culture is based on upper mgmt paying themselves all if not most of the profits, leaving a few crumbs for the associates and others. Management is exceptionally insular and non-communicative. If you don't fit the mold (white male with an Ivy League MBA and exceptional family wealth), don't bother applying... that is unless you're looking to be an Executive Assistant. In that case, don't bother applying unless you're female, thin, tan, blonde & relatively attractive. Those seem to be the pre-requisites to being an Executive Assistant at this place (but no, there's no discrimination - ha). The pay was decent at best - definitely not worth losing my dignity. Training was horrible (i.e. non-existent). Lots of back stabbing. However, a handful of the senior leaders were stellar. Sadly, some of them have since left (no surprise). And unfortunately, my manager was a socially dysfunctional man-child who wanted to be involved in every aspect of my job, except when things go wrong - micro management and ego were huge. And don't bother joining this place if you're not a Republican. They actually handed out Republican candidate bumper stickers and yard signs while I was there. Please. Worst. Job. Ever.

Advice to Senior Management

Clean shop on some of the less impressive SVP/VPs. Their coworkers and subordinates will thank you.

Pros

Truly invested in employees. AMG had a top shelf working enviornment (I am speaking about the actual building and property..the grounds are stunning and well maintained). The Company itself promoted their employees to live a healthy life style - there are tennis courts, biking, and hiking trails, and a gym - the Company, very much so encouraged you to work out during the day. There was a chef onsite (not just any chef, a gourmet chef) and the meals were increadible.

When it came to benefits (health, dental & vision, 401k, matching, stock options), it was hard to find a competitor in their industry. Simply amazing. I didn't realize how good my benefits were until I left (although they weren't enough to make me stay).

When it came to the Upper Management (Directors, VP's, and even EVPS..CEO himself), they were all very nice people and extremely approachable. I was young when I started there and definitely in a low level position, I can say that I was shocked on how many people were rooting for me. I felt very comfortable talking with any EVP, VP, or Director (on of the EVP's recently reached out to me to congratulate me on a new position..I haven't been in that Company for about 4 years).

Cons

Reviews - I understand that when it comes to larger Company's, reviews that occur more than annually simply aren't feasible, but AMG doesn't have 1000+ employees (not even 200). Reviews that occur so infrequently in a small company can be ver disconnected. Why is a routine dialouge so hard to maintain.

Red Tape! - Watch out for that! Too many policies and procedures. When I wanted to do something creative and explore, I need to get approval (over and over)..and usually denied. But for what? It was never beyond my specialty, but wanting to shadow someone and learn more about the field I was in wasn't embraced.

A visitor once came in and asked "Is this a modeling agency?" You will see an unusally high number of very pretty young women. AMG doesn't discriminate/pre-screen or anything like that, but if your pretty its a major plus (and well known!).

Advice to Senior Management

Be open enough to see your direct reports talent and potential