Good experience for post college grads - hard work - long hours...if you're into that - great opportunity to learn - Anonymous employee Smithbucklin Employee Review

3.0
Sep 16, 2014
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

interesting and sustainable business model, location, employee community, visibility to ceo, social activities, volunteer opportunities, technology is decent, free coffee (yes this is a plus), i got a free ipad, overall fun place to work post college

Cons

as with all jobs it really depends on the department you work for and who you work for- if you work for a client services driven department (event services or client accounting) your life will be very different (probably miserable) than if you are working for an operational department such as corporate accounting or marketing. overall company regardless of dept.- compensation for hours worked is terrible, favoritism and click-ish office culture, poor growth opportunity, poor employee-management communication, "owning your career" does not happen here, awkward interaction with management because they don't really know how to communicate with or train their employees, lots of know-it-alls and you will probably feel dumb asking questions because everyone is trying to prove themselves and get to the top, you might work like crazy for a promotion and never see it happen.....not traditional career path for post college students where you work a year or so and get promoted...that won't happen here so don't hold out. Overall advice- great place to work 1-3 years post college then GET OUT

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
10h
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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