Compensation and benefits may be great, but there are better alternatives to BlackRock!
Pros
Where else can someone earn $65K+ working a help desk? Company is located in an aesthetically appealing Class A office park in suburban north Wilmington with amenities such as covered parking, onsite exercise facility and cafeteria. Many employees rant about their compensation and "greuling" overload of work, but in reality BlackRock pays well above market rate for many positions and employees find time for leisurely pursuits regardless. With TARP proceeds, the company should not have a problem paying interns $1200 per week! Upper management staffers mostly find themselves on easy street as working for BlackRock is like working on Wall Street!
Cons
Not being "in" with the right people at BlackRock could amount to stressful working conditions or the premature end of your career. The company has experienced a wave of layoffs and reportedly another wave of headcount reductions is planned between June and August, 2009. During your tenure at BlackRock you will observe many fine articulate people working hard and others doing not much other than shooting rubber bands! Gossip central is alive and well at BlackRock and it's not uncommon for many peers to know your many personal details. Heads-up: Be aware that while the building facility is comfortable and secure, you probably will at some point come to discover your privacy invaded as many IT people have unfettered access to your computer and server files in addition to all conversations on your company-issued BlackBerry, and all without your prior knowledge or consent! While all companies have IT compliance and acceptable-use policies and procedures in place governing such, sometimes one has to wonder if NY management is asleep at the switch! Some leaders at BlackRock have awoken to the reality that it may be some time before the economy returns to an upswing and when it eventually does, competitors may be in a much stronger position due to the fact they've cut costs by managing more aggressively, right-sizing and by outsourcing some components. Bottom line: If you end up employed by this company, don't spend the money you haven't yet earned and be sure to keep your resume current and on-tap! Future bonus payouts may not be as lucrative as they once were and many staffers are wondering if they will continue to be able to afford the many luxuries they have become accustomed to working at BlackRock. Also, due to supply cutbacks, you will need to blow your nose on your own tissues!
