Underpaid, overworked, mistreated - Assistant Account Executive BPCM Employee Review

1.0
Jan 23, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Exposure to any kind of agency work is essential in preparing PR professionals for the fast-paced nature of this career/industry. This role definitely introduces individuals to certain practices that are standard at any agency.

Cons

Unfortunately, the salary for this role is simply unacceptable in the current economic climate. It becomes even worse when you factor in that the “hybrid” schedule you see on the application is simply there for show. If you are an AAE, you must be in office basically everyday, as your role is primarily to coordinate samples. In addition, I was expected to somehow send mass pitches to 200+ editors and manage all of that correspondence while sending samples out all day. Finally (and the most important part) is the culture that thrives at this agency. I witnessed my managers and team directors!!! say the most unprofessional, alarming things about clients, team members, interns, and myself on a regular basis. That is simply unacceptable, as is HR’s response that this is just something that “could be improved”.

Explore other reviews about BPCM

5.0
Apr 1, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Team-Oriented, Great Brands, Flexible In-Office Schedule, Clear/Collaborative Avenues for Growth, Human CEOs

Cons

Not a place to coast - high standards, but great opportunity for ambitious, results-driven individuals.

1.0
Feb 14, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Big-name clients and good exposure early in your career.

Cons

There’s little to no proper training for people entering agency life. You’re expected to “figure it out,” and then criticized when expectations (that were never clearly communicated) aren’t met. Turnover is extremely high, one team had over 12 people leave in under a year due to disorganization and poor communication from leadership. Instead of addressing issues directly, leadership would often escalate concerns about junior staff to VPs rather than having direct adult conversations. The culture is heavily micromanaged and cliquey. There’s constant gossip and a “game of telephone” dynamic — people talk about you, not to you. You’ll walk into touch bases and get blindsided with negative feedback that was never communicated before. You’re told to “ask questions,” but then made to feel dumb for doing so. Support is inconsistent. Leadership is quick to ask junior employees to step up and provide extra help when it benefits them. But when junior staff ask for additional support, it’s dismissed as “out of scope” or labeled a “low-lift account.” It feels one-sided. HR does not feel like a resource for employees , concerns raised by junior staff are not taken seriously and often seem to favor leadership. There’s little mentorship unless leadership personally favors you. Pay is also extremely low for the workload, especially compared to smaller agencies offering significantly more for entry-level roles. Overall, it felt more like high school than a professional environment.

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