Pros
Please note that SmithBucklin has multiple departments. I worked in the business-trade unit, and department culture varies from department to department. - Generous Benefits. - Professional Development Courses. - Friendly work environment culture. - Generally, smart, down to earth co-workers. - 9-5 business hours initially with increased expected hours further up the chain beginning around coordinator/sr. coordinator level. That said, putting in extra time never hurts. - Small enough that if you make an effort, the VP of your unit will know your name. Also, VP of unit interested in knowing everyone, but he's busy, so make an effort. - Opportunity to learn the importance of who you work for (and thus who has enough clout to advocate for you). - Opportunity to learn how to advocate for yourself. - Exposure to a breadth of professional development in day-to-day activities if willing to express interest/push on your own behalf.
Cons
- Entry level pay could be higher, but position promotions come with decent salary increases as well. - Not necessarily a con, but know that it's professional association management, which means the purpose is to provide educational/networking opportunities to help individuals in specific industries professionally advance/stay informed or advocate for the industry as a whole. Profitability is important because it allows for expansion of services/contribution to the industry. By no means a bad thing, but it's a focus shift from the general social entrepreneurship "do-gooder" focus.
