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ION Trading

Acquired by ION Group

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Good training, but ultimately not a place to stay - Software Developer ION Trading Employee Review

2.0
Jan 22, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

* Does not require prior experience in finance, good for an entrance into the City * Pretty cool to say you work in the Gherkin * Pay is decent, unless compared with what a bank would pay * Looks good on a CV, you'll get offers on linkedin * Very common for people to go on to good careers in investment banks * Opportunity for travel, there are offices worldwide * VERY good if you want to spend time in Pisa/learn Italian * The technology is interesting * Good if you get on with SCRUM

Cons

* Pay is not good compared to what a bank pays * Very restrictive contract means you will have to wait a year before joining an investment bank. It is VERY common for people to work at ION for a few years, leave to work for another company, then leave that after a year and work directly for a bank * Morale is LOW * There is no HR department * London looks like the main office, but if you want to make an impact you will have to do it from Pisa * Career development? Your job title will not change * Company is VERY opaque. I have no idea whether it is doing poorly or well, no idea at all.

Explore other reviews about ION Trading

5.0
Aug 3, 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Management really cares about the LDP and provide opportunities for the analysts to achieve their goals/improve their skill sets. We have many opportunities to travel to our international offices and ask for projects that are interesting and a good learning experience. I've had a good experience with other team members who are not part of the program as well. The office is more collaborative now and I think ION is trying to improve on past criticism/feedback.

Cons

Work load can be daunting at times and you may get different directions from several managers. However, if you ask questions and aren't afraid to take on challenges this can be a great way to constantly strive for more.

6
1.0
Jun 15, 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The New York office is very nice, on the 50th floor and overlooks Central Park. There are some nice people working in the office there and everyone has a collective feeling of sympathy for their fellow colleagues.

Cons

You need to understand that if you join ION that you are sacrificing any chances of career advancement whatsoever. While no expense is spared when it comes to fancy offices, every expense possible is when it comes to employees. While starting salaries are reasonable, there have been no pay increases for years, and bonuses when given are tiny. The CEO insists on a hands-on approach to every single part of the company (including approving an order for more coffee!) and the result is that very little ever gets done. Benefits are awful for a company of this size (no 401k employer contribution, minimum contribution toward heath, etc). There is very little flexibility when it comes to hours or working remotely. Think very carefully before joining ION and signing that onerous non-compete which could basically put an end to your career in this industry unless you change your industry/profession entirely or are happy to stagnate in misery at ION. I would strongly recommend against joining. I would also point out what many on here have mentioned - there are a number of reviews below which are very clearly fake. If you read a review which jokingly refers to ION as a "Market Leader" or similar, you need to be aware that these have been written specifically to try and boost the dismal rating the company rightfully has on Glassdoor.

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