Pros
I've been with FCMA six months now, and, I love it. My supervisors are supportive and encouraging. My co-workers are dedicated and treat each other as family. Plenty of training is provided and development towards career goals are encouraged. The benefits package is excellent, with minimal health care costs and the best 401K match I've have ever encountered. Work hours are standard with an early shift and late shift, in order to account for offices in the Central Time Zone. Upper management works to make sure the staff feels appreciated by occasionally providing gift cards or allowing us to leave early if we meet productivity goals. Internal gift cards can be awarded to staff members who go above and beyond to help their co-workers, and these cards can be used at most stores. I cannot speak to every department, however within my own, co-workers often bring in various snacks such as cookies or donuts. Lunch is often provided if you are in a training or presentation meeting. You will gain weight working here if you are not careful! Fridays are jean days. The office dress is business casual.
Cons
Desk space is limited and everyone works in a cube, even senior leaders. While I feel this promotes comradery among coworkers, there are moments when I miss having an office with a door I could close in order to have confidential conversations with customers. It's very easy to overhear conversations, and sometimes the volume can be too loud and disrupt customer calls. As others have mentioned, FCMA has been in transition for several years. I feel like this trend will continue. The biggest piece of advice I can give someone considering working here is this: If you are afraid change, or if you are unable/unwilling to go with the flow and be flexible, this place is not for you. Job duties can change sometimes on what feels like a whim. In my six months of employment, responsibilities have come, gone, and been brought back again. One of the key phrases around Farm Credit is "adapt." If you want to work here, you have to be willing to adjust to changes. If you can't, you will not do well and likely will not enjoy the job. Likewise, negative personalities will not work well here. The work is fast-paced, demanding, and often on the fly. I've had to come in early, stay late, and work weekends to balance my workload. If you are not truly dedicated to the job, or simply looking for a menial desk job that doesn't ask much in terms of attention or skill, this place is not for you. As the office space is an open floor plan with cubes, people who complain loudly are noticed quickly and often that reflects poorly on them in the eyes of upper management.
