Pros
Due to where FutureAdvisor currently is in its life cycle, there is a unique opportunity to be a part of defining the future direction of the organization. You are able to have a direct impact and voice in decisions. The senior management team is very accessible and does listen to input from all parts of the firm. I have found them to be receptive to new ideas and perspectives. At times, it can be challenging to be part of an organization in the middle of a significant transformation (B2C to B2B2C/startup to subsidiary of BlackRock) but it does make each success we have as a team that much more rewarding. FutureAdvisor is full of smart and dedicated people who are great to work with and believe in the mission to deliver "better financial outcomes for everyday families." Additionally, it is the most diverse team I have ever been a part of. We enjoy the best of both worlds (startup and BlackRock) when it comes to benefits and amenities. The BlackRock benefits are amazing and our office experience manager does a phenomenal job of keeping the office stocked up on everything we need (beverages, breakfast, lunch, snacks, happy hours, etc.).
Cons
As new information comes in, there is a tendency to over correct and to change priorities before delivering on the prior set of priorities. Senior management will need to figure out how to strike the right balance between listening to input from their team and ultimately making/sticking to decisions. Additionally, there is an overemphasis on process for an organization of our size. We are constantly faced with new challenges and need to retain our ability to be flexible and agile. Instead we focus too much attention on building a "scalable process" before we have even determined what is going to work in the first place. Lastly, the career path at FutureAdvisor is not well defined. It is up to each individual to seek out opportunities for themselves. This could be viewed as a pro or con. If you actively manage your career, you are able to progress. Otherwise, there is no guarantee that you will be developed.