Pros
Ability to sell both insurance and manage retirement funds. I believe this product mix allows for complete problem solving when working with a customer. The AXA name carries some level of respect: the company has not endured the financial strife that others in the industry have.
Cons
Costs: A never ending cascade that constantly chips away at your ability to become fully self sufficient. Office space, IT support, internet, liability insurance, senior management support, etc. Absence of Investment/Support: you are regaled with stats on how associates that are with the company for 3 years are the highest in the industry. That's great unless you're in year 1 or 2. There is a culture of "you're on your own" so don't expect any help from established advisors to work their book to pick up some scraps to help offset what you're doing on your own. You will be pushed hard to use your network of family, friends, and former co-workers to sell product to but keep in mind that after you leave, those customers get absorbed by the firm. This is straight commission so you will be worked hard and no one will care if you don't make it...another crop of young people sucked in by the promises of wealth and the ability to be their own boss will arrive. Ask why their are so many empty cubicles for such a successful firm. It's not an expansion it's churn and burn. If you have friends in the industry ask them about this place: it's positioned as a personal touch company interested in your success but they are no different that anyone else. If you are a trust fund kid or someone that has minimal personal expenses it may be worth a shot.