Nicholas Chang

Hello Michigan students. I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving break and are gearing up for final exams. Anyone heading to the Rose Bowl? I know, I know, we should be going to Glendale, Arizona. I already had a place to stay out there, so count me in as one of the more disappointed Michigan fans.

Back to business...

Previously, when I wrote about my company’s volunteer program, I touched on the benefits and perks of working at a large company. I imagine all firms have similar benefits programs for medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, pre-tax spending accounts, etc. But, I have a few examples of nice incentives that I have observed at my own company and other firms around New York City that fall outside of the standard benefits package. At most major Financial Services companies that I know people at, we all seem to have some or all of these added perks:

Education:

• internal classroom training or continuing education programs on college campuses
• online training
• test prep courses and discounts
• guest speakers (e.g. Carolyn Kepcher from the Apprentice, politicians, Broadway actors, war veterans)
• cultural presentations and organizations
• "Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work" day

Health:

• health center/gym on premise or discounts at local providers
• medical center
• cooking classes
• athletic programs and teams

Convenience/Leisure:

• company cafeteria in the building (sometimes subsidized)
• bank branch in the building
• mail facilities such as mobile post office (you might find that you can never make it to the real post office during business hours)
• dry cleaning
• private shuttle bus transportation options
• shoe shine (sometimes at your desk while you work!)
• corporate discount program on loans, mortgages, performing arts, museums, shopping, and more
• meal reimbursement and car service for late night/weekend working hours
• company branded merchandise

Social:

• cocktail receptions with senior management
• networking events
• beer cart
• Town Hall meetings and Open Houses
• holiday party
• team building events (part of group's expense budget)

Philanthropy/Volunteer Opportunities:

• Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure NYC
• JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge
• CPR certification
• American Red Cross Disaster Relief teams
• Habitat for Humanity low-income housing projects
• Operation Hope
• official community service days and programs such as Global Community Day
• President's Volunteer Service Awards

I bet small and mid-sized companies also offer these perks, but it seems like larger companies are more likely to have the resources and budget to support them. These incentives are a nice intangible asset to have at one's own company, so when you are at your final round interviews at the actual office locations of a particular firm, try to check out the possible perks that you see in the builiding and surrounding area. A free gym membership, discounted dry cleaning, and subsidized meals can go a long way in saving you money.

M Go Blue. Beat U$C.