Burnout is inevitable, sr leaders need accountability, like that it’s employee-owned - Coordinator Smithbucklin Employee Review

3.0
Feb 27, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You get to interact with interesting subject matter and make connections across industries; plenty of direct colleagues who are great to work with, relationships forged by fire; hopefully a good resume builder, you feel if you can survive here, you can survive anything; enjoy that it’s employee-owned with good stock and that most people you work with are women

Cons

Lower level employees take on a lot and higher ups either micromanage or load them up to burn out — even the most talented struggle; the stress is always building, nothing is ever good enough, the goal posts are constantly moving; leadership cares more about the rule of law vs. logic like intense in-office rules despite there being people who are 100% remote, which can feel unfair; often executive directors are not the most competent and when new ones come in, expect your client dynamic to change completely, but you must listen to what they want; it is difficult to know who to trust to say anything, even if you have a great direct supervisor, they ultimately prioritize the company; burnout is real and eventually you start to feel unappreciated; people get fired so be careful; sometimes it can feel like it’s Smithbucklin employees against members and the industry, a lot of negative talk about members unfortunately, sometimes fairly but often to the extent it feels we don’t listen to them

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Smithbucklin Response
4mo
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re glad to hear you value the opportunity to work across industries, the strong relationships with colleagues and our employee-owned structure. We also recognize the concerns you raised. Supporting employees, clarifying expectations and creating a more sustainable work environment remain important priorities. We appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective.

Explore other reviews about Smithbucklin

5.0
Jul 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great work environment Hybrid work schedule - office and WFH

Cons

Low ceiling for climbing the job ladder.

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Smithbucklin Response
16h
We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We're glad you enjoy our work environment and hybrid flexibility. We appreciate you sharing your perspective on career growth.
3.0
Jun 14, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

1. Gaining experience in marketing, communications, editorial operations, project management, time management, organizational skills, and interpersonal communication, which can help you become more competent in those areas, learn what you're good at, like and dislike, progress your career with the company, or use the experience to pursue another role that fits your goals. 2. Working a hybrid schedule with the ability to handle your work on a computer is a great lifestyle and flexibility advantage. Working adjacent to Downtown Chicago is an incredible experience that can bring even more lifestyle, professional, and personal opportunities. 3. Networking and getting to know a diverse group of people in the company and your department is great for relationship building, both professionally and socially. 4. Smithbucklin provides a robust onboarding and professional development program, providing support for advancing your career, feeling more comfortable at the company, and pushing you to grow.

Cons

1. Workloads can be overwhelming if not properly managed. Managing tasks for several clients at once demands a higher level of time management, organization, consistency, and interpersonal communication tolerance (for a great number of meetings, emails, and messages) that seem to be quite challenging for many associates. But if you ground yourself and continue to become efficient at your workflows, you can handle it. 2. Performing work across different clients makes it hard to focus and specialize. You may be more of a generalist starting, but by discovering the industries, clients, and type of work you like, you may be able to carve out a path you want. 3. The work itself, which can consist of executing digital marketing, comms, or editorial operations tasks, can seem underwhelming, and the learning curve may take time, but the tasks themselves are not necessarily difficult.

1
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Smithbucklin Response
4w
Thank you for your feedback. We're glad you valued the professional development opportunities, hybrid work environment and collaborative culture. We appreciate your time with us and wish you success in your future endeavors.
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