Bank of America

Here's the thing: BofA has been through tough times, relatively speaking, even compared to other banks. I've been seeing perpetual layoffs since the day I started here. That being said, I've survived here for over four years and have actually been promoted twice. I'm not a person who's been stuck or passed over for promotion, so maybe this will add some clarity to where I'm coming from and my full thoughts on the bank. I've gotten a chance to work on really interesting and difficult technology problems. I've received tons of mentorship and support.

• Professional atmosphere - none of the "brogrammer" nonsense.
• Mentorship - even if the ship around us is burning down, lots of talented folks are willing to share their knowledge and advice.
• Dysfunction in technology divisions can be an opportunity to shine and distinguish oneself (also an easy way to get burned out and or become cynical).
• Work from Home.

The bad is really bad at BofA. Career growth can be a minefield. I've had several junior employees come to me about how they get no chance at exposure. Many in the tech divisions are so entirely exhausted from layoffs that they are either actively looking for other jobs or are just going through the motions.

• Extreme cost cutting. Ever had to wrestle with an executive for $200 to fix a production issue (ironically caused by cost cutting in server maintenance)?
• Executive musical chairs. Executive management changes every six months. No direction, confused direction, or misguided direction provided by management during their stints.
• Work from home / flexible work is being eliminated.
• Career growth is a minefield and is accessible to only the most connected and politically savvy.
• Layoffs are a perpetual feature and fear in the tech teams. In my four years, I've personally seen nine large-scale layoffs--and that's not hyperbole.
• Tech team quality has dropped significantly. Sophisticated developers and tech team members are leaving in droves or have already left. The quality of the tech talent left behind post layoffs and attrition is really poor. Lots of unmaintainable, undocumented, no test case, brimming with hacks code bases lying around.
• Demoralizing environment for big thinking.