Prudential Reviews

Pros

Great flexibility and autonomy, the sky is the limit. You have the ability to dictate when, where, and how you want to work.

Cons

No role models. All of the veteran agents were not in a place I would like to be 20 years down the road, it was depressing. The management at the time seemingly had good intentions, but it was clear they were just trying to keep their salaries and avoid having to go back to the 100% commission lifestyle of an agent.

Advice to Senior Management

Don't hire failed producers or agents with less than 5 years of experience as managers. I am always wary of sales managers; if they were successful in the field they would not be seeking a management position. In my opinion new agents would benefit most from working with producers with consistently proven success.

Pros

It is a very reputable company and there are very good opportunities.. it just takes a lot of patience to work there.

Cons

Too many managers trying to do on job and no focus on lower employees who are new to the job. There were some assistant managers doing the work of both manager roles and there were too many cliques inside the call center with gossip.

Advice to Senior Management

Evaluate the managers that evaluate the employees and let them gain experience on what they are managing. Some managers have never had the experience and they are promoted to positions to lead teams that they know nothing about.

Pros

Great Benefits Overall, Retirement, Time off, etc. Good Work/Life Balance

Cons

No advancement opportunities, low turn over (which is good, but bad if you're hoping to move up at some point). No new opportunities and seems like some persons are "hand picked" for positions. Good drive to get good people, but once they're here, cannot keep motivated and offer advancement so they end up leaving.

Pros

They offer a lot of resource for their employees to improve the performance as a team. The management team provides staff with sufficient support and advice.

Cons

Great company is always attracted to talents, which will generate greater competition in the working environment. Thus, be ready for doing the right thing and standing out from your teammate when you join this team.

Pros

Opportunity and encouragement from senior management to move about company to gain experience. Focus on talent management by senior management.

Cons

Compensation less competitive than NYC companies, although it is somewhat mitigated by a better work/life balance (based on conversations w/friends in similar filed in NYC).

Pros

For most of the company there is a big stress of work/life balance. Laptops are given to all and working remotely is ok in most business lines. However, not all business - so make sure you ask if working remotely is important to you.

Cons

The pay might be less than at other firms since they are based on NJ. Also, the biggest con is the old school atmosphere. Many employees have been with the company for 20+ years which stifles innovation and new ideas. Favoritism is also very much a part of the culture.

Advice to Senior Management

The new brand campaign is great. And bringing in some outside leaders will help change and "re-brand" the inside of the company.

Pros

Flexible hours included regular working from home days. People with proven results where given responsibilities. In comparison, benefits package is better than in some bigger financial companies.

Cons

Project required large amount of overtime hours. This was largely not acknowledged by management. Advancement options and requirements where not clearly defined.

Advice to Senior Management

People willing to take on more responsibility should be able to clearly see what are the next steps in advancing their careers.

Pros

Great location
Peers are friendly
Benefits are decent

Cons

Management does not provide a clear vision of the company
Little room for advancement if you "don't play the game"

Pros

It feels like a family more than an office.

Cons

It can have the drama of a family, and there is little feedback for the secretaries.

Advice to Senior Management

Provide more feedback to all employees and try to manage difficult people better.

Pros

The benefits are pretty good. Its hit or miss with management. I have a great manager, but I have friends who have completely different experiences because theirs are horrible.

Cons

The pay is just OK. They say that they want to help you grow your career but I dont see that at all with myself or people I know.

Advice to Senior Management

The company is fine, the benefits are pretty good. But overall working for Pru is nothing to write home about.