You will learn a lot, but not sure it's worth it - Senior Manager Smithbucklin Employee Review

1.0
Mar 24, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I made many close friends and learned a lot from all the clients I worked on over the years. I also worked with some really talented people. They also have some great organizational processes in place. It's great experience to go out and get a much better job.

Cons

Overworked and underpaid. I worked on a huge list of clients, meaning I was in meetings all day and had to work all night to catch up. Wasn't able to delegate enough to other staff because they were already spread too thin. It was very typical to get late night or weekend emails from other staff, as everyone is spread so thin. If someone on our team left, we always ended up absorbing that role. By the time I left I had absorbed the responsibilities of multiple roles - roles that were formerly full-time positions. Bonuses are set so that you can never get 100%. And the whole diversity campaign is performative...there are no BIPOC people on the leadership team and only a few in exec positions.

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.

avatar
Smithbucklin Response
7h
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
avatar
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.
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All