Pit-stop for college grads - Associate Smithbucklin Employee Review

2.0
May 1, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Decent benefits. I was lucky to have good managers that were competent and considerate.

Cons

If you look at the reviews, you'll see two or three glowingly positive reviews posted in quick succession after a scathing review is published. So that tells you a little about the culture here and how unwilling upper management is to address problems and make changes. Turnover is a serious problem, and for good reason. They hire kids right out of college or desperate individuals looking for work who don't know what they're getting into. Employees are worked to the bone for below-average pay, and overtime isn't just encouraged, it's expected. Work-life balance is non-existent. I worked here for two years and couldn't tell you 10 things about any of the people I worked with. I'm a social person, but the culture was just dead. And with people coming and quitting so often, I think a lot of employees give up on trying to make friends. The costs of hiring and training new people must be staggering, at the pace they're going at now. Even with the constant revolving door, opportunities for advancement are slim to none. I gave up on ever getting a promotion, as did many of my coworkers. The company's financial outlook doesn't look so sunny, either. Performance this year was lackluster at best.

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
10h
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.

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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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