Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Career Growth & Development
Frequently Asked Questions
Career growth at Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago is built around continuous learning, varied assignments, cross-functional exposure, career development support and opportunities to grow across the Bank and broader Federal Reserve System. Employees describe the Chicago Fed as a place where people can take on new challenges, build expertise and pursue meaningful work over the course of a long-term career.
- Learning across teams and the Federal Reserve System: The Chicago Fed offers the ability to “grow where you want to go,” share knowledge with some of the world’s finest minds and learn across teams, the Bank and the Federal Reserve System. Employees echo this theme, with one supervision manager saying the Chicago Fed “truly values constant growth and learning.”
- New assignments and expanding responsibilities: Employees describe growth through hands-on work, new roles and assignments that help them build experience. A technology leader said opportunities to “grow and take on new challenges” make the Chicago Fed a good place to work, noting that he has taken on new and exciting roles throughout his Fed career. A cash supervisor also said the Federal Reserve provides “endless opportunities” through a variety of tasks that help support career development.
- Job shadows, rotations and stretch assignments: The Bank supports employees in exploring new paths and building skills through job shadows, rotational assignments and stretch assignments. One assistant vice president said the Chicago Fed gives employees an opportunity to bring their best to the organization while supporting them in taking advantage of these development experiences.
- Early-career and technical skill development: The Chicago Fed’s paid summer internship program gives undergraduate and graduate students hands-on assignments, professional development, seminars, workshops, executive speaker events, networking and exposure to Bank operations. Research assistant opportunities also support early-career growth, with one research analyst saying RAs can conduct research, learn about monetary policy and acquire new technical skills.
- External signals:
- Learning and development: External reviews describe the Chicago Fed as a “great place to learn,” with employees citing flexibility to take classes, attend seminars and build research skills. (Glassdoor)
- Skill-building and mentorship: Employees on external review sites mention leadership that encourages skill development, open communication and mentorship at all levels of the organization. (Indeed)
- Career-supporting benefits: External reviews also highlight educational benefits, learning opportunities and flexibility as strengths that support longer-term development. (Glassdoor; Indeed)
Bottom line: Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago offers strong career growth for employees who want to keep learning, take on varied work, explore new assignments and build a career connected to public service and the broader Federal Reserve mission.
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's Candidate Tradeoffs
If you’re weighing whether Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago is the right fit, these are the core tradeoffs to consider.
- Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago places greater emphasis on learning and skill development than on top-of-market pay.
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Employee Perspectives
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago supports employees who want to keep growing throughout their careers. Team members describe the Bank as a place that encourages professional development, supports continuing education, and fosters a welcoming, family-oriented environment.
“I would recommend the Fed because it is a good place for someone who would like to continuously grow in their career. They encourage career development and assist with continuous education efforts. The Fed provides a family oriented environment.”
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago fosters career growth through continuous learning, collaboration, and opportunities to take on new challenges. Employees describe the Bank as a place where they are supported with the tools, assignments, and colleagues they need to keep developing throughout their careers.
“The Chicago Fed truly values constant growth and learning. I've been given countless opportunities to work on new or unique assignments, and supported with the tools to succeed.”
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Employee Reviews
What People Are Saying About Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
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Growth Culture: A mission-driven, people-first environment explicitly highlights "Opportunities and growth" and positions itself as a learning organization. Feedback suggests the Bank invests in ongoing development and encourages employees to pursue interests and learn across teams.
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Training & Education Access: Benefits include tuition reimbursement, continuing education support, paid certifications, job training, conferences, and structured internship/RA programming with seminars and speaker series. Feedback suggests these offerings create clear, tangible on-ramps for building skills over time.
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Cross-Functional Experience: Work spans research, supervision, community engagement, payments, technology, and corporate functions, enabling varied projects and collaboration. Feedback suggests employees can learn and explore across teams and the broader Federal Reserve System.
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's Benefits
Allows employees to pursue continuing education during work hours
Encourages knowledge sharing and cross-functional collaboration
Hosts Lunch and Learns
Job training & conferences
Offers mentorship program
Provides continuing education stipend
Provides opportunities to take on expanding responsibilities
Provides paid industry certifications
Provides personal development training
Provides structured early-career growth opportunities
Provides tuition assistance
Provides tuition reimbursement
Encourages lateral mobility to expand skills and impact
Posts new positions internally and encourages employees to apply
Promote from within
