Don't be fooled by all of the 5 star reviews! - Anonymous employee Smithbucklin Employee Review

3.0
Sep 11, 2014
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I had to rewrite my review because the fake reviews that are being placed are so comical/pathetic. Any review that compares SmithBucklin to Apple or GE means the CEO or HR is writing the review. Another giveaway? Any review that states the only negative thing to say is "it's not for everyone" or "the environment is fast paced". Especially when the review says "I don't think it's a con but others may". If the company focused as much on their employees/issues stated here as they do battling negative reviews on this site, they'd be in a much better place. That being said, depending on your service unit and client, you can gain some great entry level experience in the business world to take elsewhere. Great place to enter into the event planning industry.

Cons

Senior management is very aware of their low ratings here and are doing everything they can to get them higher, hence all the recent 5 star reviews. Unless you are a male coming in at a director level or above, go somewhere else - senior management will not care about you. They refuse to pay attention to the high turnover and low pay, as well as a model that simply does not work. I've never seen a more out of touch CEO.

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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