Jefferies & Company Reviews

I have been working at Jefferies & Company

Pros – A lot of enthusiastic people - and a lot of them quite young.
They are building things for the future and so there is quite some activity.

Cons – But then you realize that the old boy network and mentality is still present. In this day and age is mistifying that this can still take place. I mean look how inefficient you can be and how many mistakes will be made by hiring people who have no knowledge of the business you are trying to build. Just because they are your buddies ? For gods sake there is one PM who was a HR person before now responsible your next trading platform... really ?

Advice to Senior Management – No advice really - other than stop beeing so arrogant. You really do not know what you are talking about.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend

I have been working at Jefferies & Company

Pros – Exciting, nice and talented people, full of opportunities...

Cons – Paid so so at beginning. They sell the potential opportunities.

Advice to Senior Management – The most talent may leave quickly if compensation does not catch up.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

I worked at Jefferies & Company

Pros – Working on smaller middle-market deals means your work during the transaction has an impact. You have the opportunity to speak to the senior management of the client companies.

Cons – The senior bankers are not supportive of work-life balance AT ALL. Very political corporate culture. Not very supportive of women.

Advice to Senior Management – The corporate culture is the main problem I have with the firm but it is something that is difficult to fix.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend

I worked at Jefferies & Company

Pros – Good benefits. Flexible work schedule.

Cons – Management does a poor job of communication. Poor or lack of end of year review system. Terrible bonuses & annual raises. Lack of diversity. Very difficult move up in the ranks.

Advice to Senior Management – Treat the employees right and you will get more out of them. Many people are underpaid and slack off in the office as a result. Low morale.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

I have been working at Jefferies & Company

Pros – Many strong Managing Directors in San Francisco
Great corporate level leadership
Thriving Investment Banking business
Solid deal flow in San Francisco

Cons – Some weak middle managers (Associates, VPs, etc.)
Lack of resources due to smaller, regional office
Some deal flow gets kicked over to NY office

Advice to Senior Management – Focus on mentoring and retaining smart Analysts and Associates
More emphasis on live deal work and technical financial modeling
Help analysts keep eye on the "bigger picture"

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

I worked at Jefferies & Company

Pros – An essentially flat file management structure. Typical of the industry trends in compensation, the majority of bonuses are paid in stock. The upside is that stock has performed relatively well.

Cons – Can be difficult at times to navigate conflicting interests of various divisions and individuals.

Advice to Senior Management – Need to find a head of equity research that has actual equity research experience and competence, so that needs of clients and analysts are met and a first class product can be produced.

I have been working at Jefferies & Company

Pros – Emerging trading firm on global basis

Cons – No support and no value for career progress in company

Advice to Senior Management – Need to make adjustments quickly if longevity of your employees is of value to the firm. Significant disappointment among many.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend

I have been working at Jefferies & Company

Pros – Good salary, convenient location and accessibility.

Cons – The right hand does not know what the left hand is doing. Managers create their little empires and spend most of their time preserving their power. Some managers are rude and abusive to employees. Company culture discourages sharing of knowledge, teamwork and innovation in general.
Managers micromanage employees to a huge degree. Managers are feared and most employees do not feel comfortable giving their opinion or disagreeing.

Advice to Senior Management – You have a very knowledgeable and talented group of employees. You should encourage teamwork, sharing of information and knowledge.
Company has a lot of potential if management is willing to update their processes and procedures.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend

I worked at Jefferies & Company

Pros – Great place to get a generalist experience in analyst class! I would highly recommend people to work at Jefferies. Good culture.

Cons – Jefferies doesn't have a strong brand as some of the bulge bracket firms in terms of investment banking in the US or internationally.

Advice to Senior Management – I would get rid of some of the senior bankers who don't add to revenue or for the office culture.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

I have been working at Jefferies & Company

Pros – Great pay
Good culture
Lots of fun for banking

Cons – Hard work, sometimes meaningless at times

Advice to Senior Management – Not much

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend