From all backgrounds, from all cultures, American Express^® has assembled a talented team of professionals. On these pages, our people get a chance to talk about being part of the American Express team. It's the clearest view we can give you of life at American Express.

Hear from employees in different areas of the company:

Jim

Occupation:  Team Leader, Consumer Travel
Location:      Atlanta, GA

Employed at American Express for 13 years

What kind of work do you do in an average day?
I manage two teams. One is a Customer Service Inquiry Team that deals with problems our clients are having while traveling. They might be dissatisfied with the airline, hotel or some other part of their trip. We work to turn irate customers around by providing good customer service. The other team is Post Travel Customer Relations. These are problems reported after the trip. It could be billing or service issues. For this, I work with vendors and card partners to resolve the problems to the satisfaction of the client. I coach and help develop representatives to deal with these issues and handle calls that are beyond the scope of an individual rep.

What's the best thing about working for American Express?
For me, there are two things. One is working for one of the most respected brand names in the world and the other is working in a company that has a commitment to and values diversity. Everyday I see evidence of the company’s dedication to diversity from the leaders and the programs the company offers.

Do you feel you can grow within the company?
Yes. I have a broad background, starting in retail, and American Express has fostered this with my unique career path. By working in various areas, especially Quality Assurance, I have had exposure to all aspects of the Blue Box. I understand how the different pieces fit together. I’ve worked with both customers and other business units in various jobs which has enabled me to see the larger picture.

How do you know when you're making a contribution to such a large company?
For me, it’s leading the Diversity Team for the past four years. We have monthly diversity activities, including hosting a diversity theater. I know that American Express values differences.

What's the best benefit you've seen at this job?
I think the entire package is great. I particularly like the vision services plan which offers special exams and glasses for computer users like me.

Is there a skill or experience you have which you never expected to use at your job?
When I was at college in the 70’s, I wanted to be a psychologist. Instead I majored in marketing and took a minor in psychology. I find I use the ideas I studied just about everyday to better understand both clients and co-workers. My study of psychology has enabled me to be more compassionate.

Thania

Occupation:  Financial Advisor
Location:      Clearwater, FL

Employed at American Express for 1 year

What kind of work do you do in an average day?
Call prospects that requested information. I answer questions and have face-to-face meetings in order to help clients with Financial Planning. I also prepare analyses, attend training and read.

What's the best thing about working for American Express?
The main thing is brand name recognition. Everyone knows American Express and it is well respected. I also like the support systems provided by the company. And, the fact that there is a sales consulting group I can go to for assistance.

Do you feel you have the potential to grow within the company?
Absolutely. I plan to build my practice and client base with the company.

How do you know when you're making a contribution to such a large company?
I know because after providing excellent customer service (by putting clients on the right track financially) I go home with a good feeling at the end of the day.

What is the benefit you've seen as part of the American Express benefits package?
For me, it’s the Health Care. This is a great benefit.

What skill or experience did you never expect to use at your job?
I really never expected to use the phone techniques I learned as a collection representative. The ability to get people interested in what you have to say and engage them so they stay on the phone are critical.

What kind of work do you do in an average day?
I manage a team and analyze new deals for co-branded cards. I assess potential new business partners and make recommendations. I look at the business impacts, both positive and negative.

What's the best thing about working for American Express?
For me, it’s the fast pace of my job. I love being a leader in the financial services industry while working in a company that is family friendly and offers a flexible work environment.

How do you know when you're making a contribution to such a large company?
Knowing that the deals I evaluate affect the company’s bottom line. It affects the total number of customers the company has.

What's the best benefit you've seen as part of the benefits package?
As a person interested in all things financial, for me it is the 401K with its matching from the company.

What's the greatest challenge you've faced at American Express?
A short time ago, I had to take a three-month medical leave to undergo major surgery. During that time I found out how much American Express focuses on its employees. Everyone was very concerned about me and kept in touch.

What skill or experience did you never expect to use at your job? I guess it’s how careful you have to be in expressing yourself. You need to be very specific when crafting messages to external customers. My communication skills have really been tested, much more than I had anticipated.

Anything else you'd like to say about American Express? I am extremely happy working for American Express. It has given me the opportunity to learn new skills that have helped me develop personally and professionally.

Learn more about American Express from the people who work here, in different business units and locations. Read more.

American Express is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.