Lower management is usually filled with very combative individuals
Realize that you're dealing with people. 

Flexible schedule, excellent benefits
There is constant confirmation that you are doing something important. 

Very much a "who you know" company. Must be a VP at a minimum to get anywhere...management views change at a whim

Not happy with all the changes being made. Used to be had two or three people to contact and the issue would be taken care of. Now the work is spread among five different groups and one doesn't know what the other is doing. Very frustrating and time consuming dealing with them. Very seriously considering RFPs.

If you are interested in back office/operations side of financial services industry State Street is a good place to start off. State Street provides reasonable compensation with a good benefits package and a tremendous working environment. Stability of job and exposure across teams is one of the more important aspects of my satisfaction. The people I work with are talented and collaborative therefore it is very easy to come together to work on projects and resolve problems. The company is in the midst of implementing a lot of diversity and employee related initiatives to promote growth, therefore, one would have lots of good opportunities if you perform!