Pros

A practical sales and product training program provides a good foundation. Hours are fixed and reasonable which would be ideal for balancing time with family. Large company facilitates ability to move and work anywhere in the country. Good chance to demostrate sales behavious and top 2-4% may crack six-figures. Reputation for exceptional customer satisfaction is a proud point for working at this company.

If you are comfortable taking directives without question, this may be the job for you.

Cons

Once you are an FS, always an FS. Do not enter this position expecting transfer out of the retail sector or potential for advancement. Additional titles such as "Licensed", "Senior", or "Small Business" may be added to your business card, but you remain responsible for the same basic functions and tied to a base salary that changes very little. Managers numbers are based on their bankers performance, so they have little desire to help advance your career if you are a producer.

Two years ago I was selling clients on appointments to discuss six to seven figure retirement balances. Today I am calling on the same client and harping on the importance that they open and use a Wachovia Visa Debit Card. Since the Wells Merger, the FS roll no longer is a respected banker responsible for lending, investing, and deposit accounts. Strong focus on checking/savings accounts, online banking activations, checkcards, etc... As decisions are being made for management, managers are micromanaging and changing directives to the point of insanity. Activity checkout calls are acceptable, hourly activity reports submitted throughout the day is a waste of time. New "focuses" are added every day with no explanation which focuses are no longer important and overtime is absolutely forbidden.

Incentives (commision multipliers) continue to be reduced.

Advice to Senior Management

There is a lack of accurate communication concerning the roles/salaries/structure after the merger. Provide better training for low level managers!