Ok place to learn, but GET OUT quickly... - Account Executive Edelman Employee Review

2.0
Sep 1, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Some managers and account leads are invested and look out for their teams. Generous PTO/benefits. Genuinely a good place to get exposed to a lot of new things at a junior level. (As long as you get out before you're burnt out and jaded which will happen faster than you think.)

Cons

Totally tone-deaf senior and middle management (both in terms of what employees and clients want and also industry trends and standards). Way behind creatively and rely too heavily on the way things used to be in the industry which is tried and boring and ineffective in today's market... Additionally, management is not transparent about Edelman's standing in the industry and what's going on within the company. Impossible to move teams or change focus even if your interest lies elsewhere within the agency and you have a proven track record of succeeding in that line of work. Direct managers are totally helpless in assisting here if they're under a VP level. I've seen so many people go through Edelman and express genuine interest in wanting to stay with the company but for career goals or changing personal circumstances want to move offices or change teams. They are at first discouraged and then ultimately denied after a very long (year/s) of back and forth. A lot of sector team leads are completely self-interested, disloyal and dishonest. They pretend to listen and then nothing happens or changes. As is included in almost every single post: overworked and underpaid. Junior and mid-level staff does all of the work and are not appreciated or rewarded with more growth opportunities or increased compensation so they leave. Insanely high turnover rate.

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Edelman Response
8y
This is a tough one to read. Your feedback is timely and helpful, though, as we're focused on rolling out our strategic plans for the year and can use your experiences as fuel to continue our efforts to make Edelman a better place to work. While it already is a fantastic place for many and I could share countless examples of successful career moves, ways employees have worked out flexible and balanced work schedules, and amazingly collaborative senior leader/employee/team relationships, that doesn't mean your perceptions aren't valid or valued. I hear you and I thank you for sharing your concerns. Maria O'Keeffe, Executive Director, US HR

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Edelman gives you real exposure to senior leaders, complex work, and smart people. You can learn a lot quickly, build strong relationships, and get close to how decisions are made. There are also good opportunities to take on meaningful projects if you are proactive and willing to speak up.

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The pace can be a lot, and the work can feel reactive at times. Priorities shift quickly and roles often expand beyond the original scope without always having clear boundaries, title growth, or compensation changes. Career growth is possible, but you often have to advocate for it yourself. Overall, Edelman can be a great place to grow if you are adaptable, organized, and comfortable with ambiguity. It works best when you have strong leaders, clear expectations, and support around workload and growth. That last part is impossible to control, so may the odds be in your favor.

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