Pros
The only pro of working in AIB was the friends I made. We kept each other going through the rough times.
Cons
1. Company Structure - I was working in branch banking where you went in at entry level as a Bank Official and in order to progress to the next level which is known as Officer Grade you need to get promoted. Once you are an Officer you are considered a member of management and you can then climb up to Assistant Manager then Manager of various grades. This all sounds achievable to anyone who works hard towards whichever level they are capable of however the reality for most of my colleagues was very different. There are hundreds of bank officials in the network who have over 10 years experience, working roles such as SME Specialist, Business Relationship Managers, Personal Relationship Managers, Customer Service Supervisors, Foreign Exchange Supervisors, Mortgage Arrears Specialists and Mortgage Consultants who were never promoted and are still known as bank officials with a salary of buttons to match. AIB is returning to profitability on the backs of the poor souls left in branch banking. We used to call ourselves " The Ants in Dungeon of the Economy" 2. Promotions - Time and time again we saw those who treated others like the bottom of their shoe promoted over worthy candidates. When someone who actually deserved a promotion got one it was a rare moment of joy. 3. Redundancy's - deserving candidates of 30 years service and more overlooked in favour of those who made going on the sick their career so AIB chose to get rid of them with a golden handshake rather than punish them through the proper channels. There are still people on the sick who regularly post their lives on Social Media for all to see. Sack them !!! Everyone knows who they are. 4. Culture - you could only imagine the culture that results from the points mentioned above. Soul destroying misery. 5. Lunches - AIB top brass decide that the minions in branch banking no longer deserve an hour lunch and slash it in half just like that. People need that hour to recharge, to feel normal, to have a chat, to confide in a friend and sometimes to cry and dry yourself off. I promised myself that day going back down the stairs from the canteen with my lunch still in my teeth that enough was enough. I deserve better than this. To conclude It was the best decision I ever made. I only wish I hadn't wasted 10 years on them. If your still in AIB don't be afraid to jump.I had a job within a fortnight. The one good thing about being ex AIB is that other companys know we are able for anything.