Pros
Each branch operates somewhat differently, but the Illinois branch is a great branch to work for. Inside sales usually pulls really strong sales consistently, and positively contributes to the company. They are frequently cited in company-wide email blasts that highlight great sales performance. Management within the branch is wonderful. The BSOM strikes the perfect balance that you would want in a manager: A personable attitude, care and investment in all of the employees in the office, both personally and professionally, and keeping everyone accountable and on task without being overly lenient or a pushover. The work itself can get a little complex. Even after almost 2 years here, there's still a lot to learn, and some processes are always changing and evolving. In my opinion, that makes it relatively fun despite the stress that comes with it, so I count it as both a pro and a con. The office does outings sometimes, usually with suppliers. Overall, this office has incredible morale, and I'm sad that life is taking me to a completely different state, because if I could, I'd stay on board. I can see why some of the sales people have been on board for 5, 10, and 15+ years. CSRs have the very real potential to move into sales positions (with commission). The upward mobility is not just an empty promise you're told when getting hired. This is a great place to work if you're looking for a career, not just a job. Pandora is constantly playing quietly over the intercom system, so there's none of that maddening silence-punctuated-by-the-clacking-of-keyboards stuff going on. - Great Management - Intellectually Stimulating Work (most of the time) - No Shortage of Work (except maybe right before a big holiday) - Very Real Growth Potential - Yearly Reviews / Raises (if performance is good) - Team Oriented Environment - No Drama; No Office Politics - Hour Long Lunch - (It's on a Pokemon GO gym! No complaints there, from a nerd. Disregard if you have no idea what this means, it literally affects nothing.)
Cons
Sometimes the work is stressful and the deadlines pile up. There's a silver lining though-- you can and are encouraged to ask for help or speak up when you have too much work on your desk. You may need to work out your own system of organization, because there's a lot to do, and no prescribed way to keep track of everything at your desk. You'll have to make do. (I often use spreadsheets to do this.) Occasionally, it's a little nerve-wracking to talk to sales if they're having a particularly stressful day. If you're a CSR, talking to sales is a daily occurrence, so this does happen, but if someone is short with you one day, no grudges are ever held, and it's never personal. Steep learning curve. (It gets way easier over time though!) - Still working out some processes with other departments that don't move as fast or communicate the same way sales branches do. (Credit, Asset, etc) - Stress - Some CUSTOMERS (not Heilind employees) can be a little unprofessional, especially some of the more old-hat male customers when speaking to female employees. - If you're a CSR, you'll eventually need to take minutes during Monday's meetings. These are really hard to keep up with. Ask the other CSRs for help if you miss things. (You will miss things. We all do.)