This place will drain you - Associate Smithbucklin Employee Review

2.0
Jan 3, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You will learn a lot in a short amount of time You'll know how to use a number of different softwares/platforms Depending on the client, you might work really closely with a manager or AE

Cons

-Literally no work/life balance -Everything is treated like it's life or death -Terrible management/staffing - so many teams don't have enough people and entry-level people are expected to juggle a really high number of tasks -Client leads seem to forget that you have 4-6 clients at a time and are consistently asking you to complete tasks last minute -You are consistently expected to work on your time off - sick days or PTO don't exist -Pay isn't terrible but it isn't high enough to justify how many hours you put in -Work load isn't re-examined until you bill 55+ hour weeks -Really high turnover (about 12 people have left in about 6 months, 2 of them were fired after only working at the company for 3-6 months) -Diversity is trash and nobody seems to care that SB is super behind in that process

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.

avatar
Smithbucklin Response
3d
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
avatar
Smithbucklin Response
1mo
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.
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All