Smithbucklin Reviews

This company has one asset on which it makes a profit: its people. You'd think this means they value its workers, but it's actually quite the opposite: it tries to get the most it can out of its workers. Let me be clear: The more hours it can get out of its workers, the more it profits. Executives' bonuses are based on the profitability of their unit; in other words, the more work they can get out of their employees, and the less they can pay them, the more bonus they'll get. Employees have to work needlessly long, additional hours because "that's just how much work there is, and we need to satisfy the client," but you'll soon start to realize long hours are only needed because the company is intentionally understaffed. The company model is to hire young people, chew them up for as much as they can, and and spit them out, while making a profit. The company seniority/pay structure (Associate, Senior Associate, Coordinator, Senior Coordinator) is intentionally structured to slow the pace of promotions and pay raises. Over time you'll find yourself being given more advanced work, but you won't find the promotion to match it. They even put a restriction on how often you can get promoted (once every three years - and the steps between job levels are small - we're talking a $3,000 promotion every three years, no matter how hard you work). The company (and a lot of the reviews here - yes, it's an open secret the company writes/forces people to write positive reviews) will say, "it's a great opportunity to learn; you need to be ok with the fast pace, etc." - beware, this is code for "we're going to work you to the bone and you'll go home crying because you hate life." The crying part is no joke. I wish you could go around to employees and ask, "have you cried because of your job here?" Unfortunately, the younger ones don't know better. Also, alcoholism is a severe problem. Not during working hours, obviously, but after work. At first it will seem like you're just going out to drink with your work buddies because it's been a long, hard week. Then you'll start to understand... Anyways, enter at your own risk. Please be smart, look out for yourself, and think twice before accepting a job here.

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.