Pros
Ares employs some of the most intelligent financial professionals in the business, be it in credit, private equity or real estate. Learning from these people is, no doubt, a rewarding experience. Senior executives are generally friendly and have an open door policy, and the firm's private credit and private equity businesses are generally enjoying success relative to the broader industry. Unlike other firms in the industry, young professionals have an opportunity to grow within the firm if they speak out.
Cons
The liquid credit business in which I worked is more insular than the other parts of the business, such as private credit, private equity and real estate. Cross-functional interaction is pretty limited, resulting in my interacting with two to three Principals/Managing Directors >90% of the time. As the firm grew, more emphasis was placed on tight procedures than on thinking through complex, new investment opportunities.