- Career development /retaining talent - this is an issue across the company, not just in Connections. There are a lot of top-down management approaches (in different divisions) that stem from the executive level. Even in Connections or as an early Forum researcher, you can gain valuable skills that will be useful in different careers. But after the 2-year mark, the growth potential for the vast majority of people it's just not there. But I don't think they care about that. They just need people to cross the 6-month mark in Connections. In other divisions (e.g. Finance, HR, T&P), there is a bit more growth in terms of traditional roles/functions. But even in T&P, there is a decent amount of turnover and lack of career growth opportunities for individuals.
- Growth- the company says it's growing quickly. It is-- but often at the expense of the people or being a progressive company. Not progressive in terms of D&I, but in terms of new ways of thinking, building sustainable products and tools, and staying relevant with our clients. Third Bridge desperately would like to strengthen its position as a 'technology company' not just a 'financial services' company, but they are not being innovative enough.
- Remote work- in some divisions, remote work is accessible and works well. In others, like Connections and Forum, they want people to go into the office and claim it will revitalize the "culture", but people need more than just catered lunch or smoothies to be motivated to stay.
- Management- this area varies across the company. In connections, while the management has improved and line managers have more autonomy, it's still extremely micro-managey and intolerable. On other areas, the managers can be great. I've heard of extremely toxic situations stemming from terrible managers and fostering toxic environments.
- Hiring - In Connections and forum associates, be more transparent. There was a push to revamp the hiring profiles, but they were still marketing the role as "investment research". I saw that advertised in spring 2022.
