Great place to work and learn - Manager Smithbucklin Employee Review

4.0
Jan 27, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There are innumerable opportunities to learn new things and move up - but you have to work for it and ask for it. Nothing is handed to you (and that's ok!) They've recently implemented a great people manager training series, which I have never seen at another company. They're committed to training people managers to improve retention. My unit head is VERY approachable and receptive to feedback and ideas. He's very communicative with the unit about what is going on and does a great job giving positive feedback.

Cons

The pay is not great. The workload is intense, and it's difficult to have a work/life balance. My association executive has completely unrealistic and unmanageable expectations about pace of work, and it gets draining. There is little autonomy at the manager level. The structure is a little top heavy. On my client team, we have a much higher percentage of team members at the manager level and above than at the client level. This is very frustrating for associates who have to go through 3 people to get anything approved.

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
2d
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
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.
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