Do NOT Work Here!!! - Sr. Associate Smithbucklin Employee Review

1.0
Aug 15, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You'll learn a lot of skills.

Cons

Avoid this company at all costs. You work on multiple clients, which would be fine if the work was balanced. Either upper management has no grasp on the time that work actually takes to complete, or they don't care. They will say to speak up if you are overworked, but nothing is actually don't about it when you do. When I spoke up, I was told it was a "self-created problem." When I said I felt like I was working two jobs, I was told "well, you are." Every one of the employees at SmithBucklin that I came across was overworked and burnt out. I got so burnt out that I was getting physically ill. The day I quit was one of the best days of my life. Many of the managers are good at their client work, but terrible at managing people. It's true that you learn a lot while working here that you can take elsewhere, but if you end up working here, learn what you can and get out. Ultimately I wouldn't wish this job on anyone.

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Smithbucklin Response
1y
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re sorry to hear about the challenges you faced with workload and management. Your feedback is crucial, and we’re taking it seriously as we strive to improve our practices and support for our team. We’re committed to addressing the concerns you’ve raised about workload balance and management practices.

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
2d
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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