Pros
It's the perfect job for someone starting out and has no other relevant experience for comparison. (see intern reviews)
Cons
Let’s break it down: Lip Service - Standards are set for behavior and yet higher-ups often get a “gimme.” The employee handbook section on conduct even devotes a full-page that reads in big, bold type, “DON’T BE A 'EXPLETIVE DELETED.'” A crass (some might even say offensive) way of expressing what should already be common-sense courtesy to fellow human beings. However, this is a “do as I say, not as I do” policy. Those who have risen through the ranks have, time and time again, been known to bully, harass, and badmouth without consequence. Any attempt to document this or complain is seen as being negative. The CEO claims to have an open-door policy. However, once given any criticism, it is deemed as negative or falls on the deaf ears of HR. On more than one occasion, these ominous words have been uttered, “If anyone is unhappy with their job here, come see me and I will gladly help you out.” Sounds nice in print, but it’s all in the foreboding delivery that gets the point across. That door can stay open all day, but most people, if they know what’s good for them, won’t come knocking. Navel Gazing - Too much time spent on self-promotion and trying incredibly hard to be cool. The last two Holiday parties, clients got jackets and other merchandise with the agency logo on it. Last time I checked, clients want it to be about them, not the agency. Nepotism/Cronyism/Sycophantic - Despite being nearly 50/50 female to male, bro culture dominates — bone up on your sports and golf. Binge drinking is a bonus. Some unusual promotions of persons unqualified and untrained to lead a specific discipline such as the time that the long-term boyfriend of an executive v.p. was promoted from an account service position to leading creatives. Ageism - Little or no value is given to experience. Training and opportunities for advancement reserved almost exclusively for the young. Comments are thrown out regularly with complete disregard for the company present: “This is a young people’s business.” “We need someone younger to work on this.” Strengthsfinders (aka Lucky Astrology Mood Ring) - Whether intentional or not, these mood ring, color season, psycho-babble tests tend to put people into boxes. Introverts need not apply. Your talents and thoughtful introspection are not valued. You’ll be banished to “thought leader” status. Those who speak loudest and fastest tend to steal the credit and get the glory. Workspace - All image no substance. Open workspaces were once intended to encourage collaboration and increase productivity. Nowadays they’re a way to squeeze as many people into the smallest space possible to make the most money. The relentless din has become a personal time suck and distraction. Add to that the thumping playlist to rival any H and M being pushed out on speakers throughout the office and you get zero relief with very few free places to hide and actually get the work done. The catch-22; if you do hide away to get the work done, you’re accused of being inaccessible. Work furniture is somewhat stylish, yet poorly made and not intended for comfort or ergonomics. Recent redesigns did not include employee feedback that might have been useful in creating more successful outcomes. (e.g., happy employees without neck, wrist, elbow, or back injuries) Management/Operations - None seem to have the training, nor the time to manage other than push the work through. There are no teams, just people doing the work. There’s no empowerment, only fear of making mistakes. There is a constant compulsion to noodle the process at the expense of efficiency (ironically enough). In summary. Looks great with the window dressing. Not a lot going on upstairs.