Worst job I’ve ever had - Associate - Senior Associate Smithbucklin Employee Review

1.0
17 Jan 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Location and office space is nice, lots of new grads so easy to meet people but don’t get too attached because they all leave early

Cons

The worst place I’ve ever worked. Can’t even begin to tell you how many Sundays I spent crying thinking about going into work Monday. Regardless of if your role is client facing or internal, you are screwed because management has such unrealistic expectations of you and your ability and yet they are “too busy” to coach you or help you with any type of patience. Because of my lack of experience, I legitimately thought this was how business was run until I left and found a company that treats you like a human being and actually wants you to succeed. They dangle promotions over your head and then give a “raise” that’s a complete joke and border line insult. Once I put my two weeks in, I didn’t even bother to finish a project assigned to me because I felt so angry at this company and I didn’t want to help SmithBucklin anymore, they took so much toll on my mental health. The more time I spend away the better I realize I have it now. My manager was without a doubt the worst part of my experience and I’m so glad they are no longer a part of my professional life.

Explore other reviews about Smithbucklin

5.0
16 Nov 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Diverse employee base with interesting backgrounds, work/life balance, newly renovated office, wellness week

Cons

Pay could be more generous

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Smithbucklin Response
5mo
We appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. It’s great to hear our team diversity, work/life balance and wellness efforts stand out. We appreciate your honest feedback regarding compensation.
3.0
14 June 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
2w
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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