Unrealistic Expectations - Collections Specialist Sallie Mae Employee Review

2.0
16 Oct 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The earning potential for the position is fair. The management is easy to work with and involved. The role allowed for a good work life balance.

Cons

For this position you are only given two weeks of in class training. In that training there is limited roleplay and you only listen to what calls should not sound like. You are then put on the floor to pass 2/6 graded calls within two weeks or you are terminated. They do not offer you the opportunity for a PIP or further training. As someone who was new to collections, I do not feel that model is a recipe for success. The first month of employment is incredibly stress and if you are not use to collections and the many policies they have in place, you will fail.

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Sallie Mae Response
7mo
Thank you for your constructive criticism. We will take this feedback into consideration as we want to always ensure our employees feel heard.

Explore other reviews about Sallie Mae

5.0
9 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The work culture is quite chill and results-focused. The office space is also quite decent.

Cons

Being a bank, it’s highly regulated so everything we do must go through a thorough compliance review.

4.0
1 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- I genuinely enjoy the people I work with, and that goes a long way. The culture feels supportive and respectful, not cutthroat. - The company regularly asks for feedback through “Pulse Check" surveys—and it doesn’t feel like they disappear into a black hole. - Strong focus on work-life balance with real resources to back it up. - Fun, engaging activities like desk holiday bay decorating, chili cook-offs, and the Sneaker Ball help break up the work routine. - Encourages professional growth with free LinkedIn Learning, support from department heads, and side-by-side learning opportunities. - Hybrid work is a plus. I remember when remote work was a pipe dream, so I don’t take that flexibility for granted. - Just hit my 3-year anniversary and got increased PTO—always a nice milestone. I plan to be here for the long haul. - Final thought: I’ve yet to find a perfect company, but I can honestly say Sallie Mae is close enough. I hate to sound like a marketing campaign, but a happy employee is just a happy employee—and that’s how I feel here.

Cons

- Like most places, it’s not perfect. Processes can always be improved, and some things move slower than you’d like. - Pay feels fair, not amazing—but not something I’m upset about either. I don’t know many jobs that pay “enough,” honestly. - If you’re looking for a flashy startup vibe, this might feel more steady than exciting.

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