A rewarding but very challenging place to work - not for everyone - Anonymous employee Smithbucklin Employee Review

4.0
May 8, 2012
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- A lot of really great, smart people work here. When you've got time to really strategize and brainstorm, some excellent work gets done. - Diversity of clients and types of work - Opportunities for learning and professional growth - Solid salary and benefits structure - Downtown Chicago location - and moving to new HQ office in late 2012 that will be even better

Cons

- Clients' financial challenges and mismanagement (by volunteers and sometimes by execs) can make it difficult to do good work, and to do it on time. LOTS of curve balls thrown at you. Be prepared. This is not a place for people who need smooth sailing. - Ebb and flow of work - some periods (rare) are slow, while others are manic to the point of lunacy - Turnover can be high in some service areas - but in some cases that's a good thing - as people who simply couldn't handle it (or were apathetic ) chose to leave, better people are typically hired in their place - The ugly Marilyn statue outside the building (ha!)

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
11h
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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