Pros
- Great culture that is team-oriented and not accusatory or contentious; no a**hole policy - Market compensation that encourages pay for performance and generous benefits package - Smart and talented coworkers demonstrated through impressive track record - Plentiful resources provided to facilitate investment decisions I cannot speak for all groups and functions but this is true for many investment groups as evidenced by very low turnover.
Cons
There are some growing pains with a rapidly expanding firm and newly public entity. The firm has dramatically increased its compliance, reporting and support functions in recent years and many people still work/behave with that small shop mentality when responsibilities and expectations are now elevated. There are now more layers and upward mobility may be more limited vs the past. Some managers who have risen through the ranks may not have experience leading a team. Hopefully with time, added resources and some patience, the growing pains will heal and Ares will stabilize into a well-run working environment throughout the firm.