Job Title: Sr. Mgr.
Location: New York
Submitted on: 01-Feb-04
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| Sr. Mgr. |
Corporate culture there is amazingly diverse and the people who work
there are extremely smart (for the most part). Amazingly, however, it
is an extremely closed minded corporation when it comes to business
issues. Their major marketing strategy might be labelled "maintaining
status quo".
While the mgmt. leads employees to believe that decision making is
conscensus driven, it is NOT. Decisions are made by a small handful of
senior executives--end of story. The quicker one realizes this as an
employee, the better.
While talented individuals can thrive there, from an intellectual
perspective, it becomes stifling within a few years since no one ever
wants to "rock the boat". Further, performance and results are often
not recognized accordingly; the emphasis is on being a "team player"
(ie. do what you are told, smile, don't question or make waves). These
individuals are ultimately those who are rewarded.
The Amex culture has been described as one of "Southern Gentility"--
which means that everyone is always polite and agreeable in meetings.
Very professional. But, they are often insincere about what they are
thinking or feeling. Lots of back room discussions take place, some
backstabbing, and their is a general level of dishonesty/mistrust. You
really can never take anyone at their word. Friends who work at
Citibank tell me that the difference there is that no one holds back--
very upfront and in your face--so you are looking at 2 very different
styles. Take your pick.
Hours are generally reasonable and most (not all) of management is
flexible when it comes to family/personal situations, which was always
appreciated. The only time this was not true was during post 9-11, when
mgmt. went off the deep end and treated staff like they were 5 year olds
who could not be trusted. Post 9-11 was a very bad time for Amex; 20%
of staff was laid off, mgmt. went from ineffective to awful, morale was
in the toilet.
Dress code is smart business casual.
Opportunities for advancement? In the late 90's there were many. Post
9-11, very few. I also hear this from former colleagues who are still
there. If you want to get ahead, you will likely need to make your
nose, very, very, very, brown.
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