Too demanding during peak season... - Customer Service Representative Sallie Mae Employee Review

3.0
4 Oct 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You are doing relatively easy work, and your job tasks are demonstrated repeatedly during several weeks of paid training (instructor performs the tasks, students pay attention and are then able to perform the same tasks on their own classroom computers in a demo version of the computer system used. You receive (sometimes weekly/sometimes biweekly) constant feedback on your performance and the calls you've taken. There is an on site cafeteria that is easily accessible and is also affordable. It's seasonal work, but if you perform well enough, you may be hired as a permanent employment at the end of your term.

Cons

You're expected to work lots of overtime during the peak season-- it is voluntary at first, but if enough people do not volunteer then employees are forced to work overtime. The job can get boring, as you're at your desk all day long taking calls, but you somewhat realize that when you take the job. Also, irate callers are always a pain-- for example if someone angry and upset calls because they have a late fee and want you to waive it, and you tell them late fees won't be waived as you're instructed to do, they demand to speak with a manager and, of course they get their fees waived and feel like they've "won."

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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