Pros

My review of this firm has to be viewed in the context of the current economic times.

I found my time at UBS to be an extremely productive and learning experience. I was treated with respect by my peers and was given the tools and the opportunity to succeed in a variety of projects.

The people that I worked with are very real and not analogous with most stories you hear from the financial sector.

While the firm has had to severely downsize over the last 18 months like many other firms in the financial sector again I feel like was treated with respect and dignity through that most unpleasant of processes.

Many good people remain at the firm and I would return if given the opportunity once the firm stabilizes.

Cons

The firm is extremely bureaucratic and its processes completely tied up in red tape. Much of this bureaucracy revolved around risk and compliance. Often in my opinion at the expense of being able to conduct business. Also, when you keep in mind that this bureaucracy did not prevent the firm from adversely exposing itself to the recent turmoil in the financial sector and market forces.

Advice to Senior Management

My advice would be twofold:

First, review the entrenched bureaucracy and how regulations has and will be implemented at the firm. If not careful it can choke the ability to conduct business especially in light of the new regulatory regimes that are sure to follow both in the US and abroad.

Secondly, now that there is new management is in place conduct a thorough review of the lines of business has recently departed. While some of those business lines continue to be stressed they are not dead and can be profitable in the future.