Good experience, but unless you're a 'Rising Star,' no growth potenial. - Registration Associate Smithbucklin Employee Review

2.0
Apr 30, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good, talented, employes that want to grow. Because it's it's association mangement, you get to work with lots of different types of people and industries, so you get great experience dealing with people at all sorts of company levels.

Cons

My first two years were a good experience. Enjoyed the work and the people, even though most were younger than me (right out of school). My last year and a half I guess they figured I was not going to be a good fit and they wanted me to leave, which feels like the only explanation of what was going on. There are opportunities at the company for those that decide they want to give 200% in order to advance, but I have a life and want to live it so I refused to do that. I got penalized in my reviews for overbilling clients, but they would not assign me new clients or new work projects. Prior to that the work load was super crazy. My non-exempt job status should have allowed me to bring in additional overtime, but they create structures so that you can only charge so much time during travel. I never got a raise or promotion in my almost four years there. My manager was so swamped with his own clients, he had no time to really help us figure out good career paths at the company. They have created a culture where if anyone who worked under an association client had issue with a business unit employee, they never went to the employee to talk about the problem, they went straight to the Managers/senior managers and then the employee is blindsided by it at their review. It's difficult if you don't know how or want to play the game.

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
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
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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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