Misleading career development culture - Marketing American Express Employee Review

3.0
Feb 7, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great work life balance Work from home most Fridays Free access to city museums/gardens

Cons

They say that people like to hire those who look like them, and the same can be said about the hiring process at this company. At some historic breakthrough it was sure to be celebrated that women nearly dominate leadership at American Express. Yay for us women holistically, but from the inside perspective it's not as diverse as one would think. Fair warning, this will be very direct. White women at this company simply love hiring other white women. Looking at some of the micro-organizations here, it's as if they are arming themselves against diversity in thought. Make no mistake, there are heaps of ethnic backgrounds at Amex, but the majority will be found in the bottom half. To use myself as an example, I've been honored with the highest year-end rating possible, have the support and confidence of layers of senior leadership and I've been up for a promotion for nearly 9 months. I've been on 8 total interviews in the past year, studied rigorously for each, and have been succeeded by a white woman each time (I wish this was an exaggeration.) Not to mention that each of these jobs were interviewed exclusively by white women. It's more than a coincidence. I won't hold this singular observation accountable for my personal experience, but I would urge the leadership of this company to expand their ideals about the eligibility, skill, and intellect of those who aren't a married or engaged young white woman. Much of the stellar and hopeful Amex talent end up accepting external opportunities.

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5.0
Jun 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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Pros

Great work-life balance and benefits

Cons

Outdated systems and people repeating work

3.0
Jun 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Complimentary lunch and starbucks everyday - On-site clinic for basic check ups - Hybrid

Cons

you will be taking phone calls every minute of the day. There will come a time where you feel like at the bottom of the world. You will ask yourself "is my role in life to help people reset their password online and assist them in logging in?" You cannot use the bathroom whenever you want, they have time coding that if you "abuse" them you will be flagged and subject to discipline. You have to give world class service but at the same time rush them off the phone or else you are not getting paid a good bonus. You will quickly find yourself gasping for air and time to relax when you take 50+ calls a day , you will feel drained. When is finally time to move up there is a high chance you will be paid less than you're current role as there are no bonuses in higher roles.

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