Pros
If you work at TIAA-Cref, you won't have to move to North Korea -- that is, if you'd like to work for a repressive regime. The company's motto used to be "For the Greater Good." (First hint: not yours.)
Cons
Like the communist party, party hacks come first. Middle management hands it down to lower management. Relentlessly. Then ... to the people who do the work in the field. Threatening job security. Working pain points. Overdosed on stupid pills. Overworking everyone for lack of computer integration but no lack of managerial screw ups. TIAA-Cref rightly deserves its past reputation as a good retirement provider for non-profit institutions. But a surge of managerial greed since I started three years ago has now lead to CYA and whatever it takes! And what used to be for the Greater Good is sadly a retired slogan. By the way, clients are left behind to come in second-last. TIAA-Cref's low-level management is rapidly metastasizing with fear that it can't overcome its legacy of latency. It's going to die with its wonderful (but aging) clientele. This insurance agency won't escape its demise. A dim-witted dopiness from zombie management ensures it. They'll remain their worst enemy because they start by being yours. Don't be lulled by starting salaries or descriptions of generous benefits. It's the false voice of managers after they've traded away their lives. During my three years, I never worked harder in a 30 year-career or earned less to make impossible sales goals to earn bonuses just for managers. TIAA-Cref was consistently unreasonable, patronizing and cheap! I returned to a former employer where people are respected. There are better alternatives you should consider. Don't waste your time.