Interpublic Group Reviews

Pros

Benefits are good. Paid time off is good. The IT / Business Applications group doesn't have long hours unlike other lines of advertising, such as creative, account services, media, etc. My boss is knowledgeable and has worked her way up within the company. My team is willing to work with people to help them improve some performance issues, that are considered minor by management - (ie. coworker, doesn't communicate well to collegeaues in written format). Low level of stress.

Cons

This is specific to the IT/ Business Applications Group, I am in, not the entire company. I can't speak for the Finance, HR and Shared Services groups.

There doesn't seem to be any advancement opportunities. For example, other co-workers have been in their positions for many years 3-5, with two folks at 10+ years supporting users and implementing the business software. Other folks that were in the group, left after a few years to pursue other opportunities in IT/Business Applications, such as becoming lead PMO's (Project Managers or moving to a the vendor supplier side of business software).

Advice to Senior Management

Provide a career path for employees who perform well and deserve it. I can't imagine someone (who isn't in the C-Suite or a VP) doing the same job for 10+ years in today's business world without any sort of advancement at the lower levels. If there are no advancement opportunities available, how about providing the ability, for employees who are performing well, to make lateral moves into other areas of IT / Business Applications and/or IPG Corporate.

Pros

The benefits are good. There is some opportunity to work across companies held by Interpublic Group. I like the ERG's.

Cons

It is a very corporate environment. Although it is in the creative industry, many new ideas are rejected because of corporate ideology.

Advice to Senior Management

Create a more inclusive environment. Many decisions are made behind close doors without input from employees. If you're going to hire someone in a management role, give his/her future direct reports an opportunity to meet them first

Pros

Good work/life balance. Particularly for an NYC company
Summer Fridays and 18-25 vacation days = alot of time off
Reasonable ability to advance within the company

Cons

Below market salaries
Politics can be a little much
Company parties have really gone downhill since the stock market crash

Advice to Senior Management

Management is doing fine, they don't need my advice. I think that the pay structure tends to be a little top heavy but I that seems to be true around NY so what are you going to do.

Pros

as a whole, IPGs offerings through its new specialty agencies are highly strategic enabling new opportunities for strategic growth and development. the challenge has been at the management level in making these offerings tangible and accessible.

Cons

lack of growth and development
inconsistent direction and competing vision
general lack of creativity
management pigeon holds great ideas as they feel threaten

Pros

Benefits were okay, and the casual dress was a nice change from most jobs. The hours were okay. Honestly, however, I'm racking my brain to think of these pros.

Cons

A complete lack of cohesive training. There were three people training me during the first week and I was told different things by all three. There was no positive feedback, or any feedback for that matter. I was hired because of anticipated heavy work increase, but that never materialized and then without warning, after 21 days of employment, was let go because I was "not progressing fast enough". How can a person learn a job when the work doesn't exist and they are kept busy by pulling staples for three days? After I was let go, I didn't receive my check for 20 days afterwards, and the check I received was incorrect. I would not recommend IPG to anyone.

Advice to Senior Management

I don't even know where to start. This company needs a complete overhaul and communication, leadership, and training needs vast improvement.

Pros

Work Life balance Salary Culture

Cons

Not all management is on same page

Advice to Senior Management

Provide consistent view

Pros

It's a good place to start working in advertising. The network is still substantial and some of the clients are good to work for. There is a desire to do things differently. Maybe the place will get back it's vibe once the whole industry revives as well. Young people often get substantial responsibility early on in their career.

Cons

The atmosphere is just plain rotten. Cost cutting has started to undermine all motivation.
The only news we get from senior management is that they've seen the light and that we're a team
and we're all going digital which is as substantive and credible as a 60's ad for soap. There is a culture of making excuses and cooperation between the various silos is just not working.

Advice to Senior Management

Get some professional middle management in, preferrably not from the ad industry to install proper procedures and motivation. Stop raving about being a creative powerhouse when you're not.

Pros

They provide excellent opportunity to explore and put forth new ideas.

Cons

They do not sponsor Visa.

Advice to Senior Management

Need to provide an opportunity to talented international students.

Pros

Vacation
Pay
Benefits

Great place for taking time away from the actual work, but not a place that you can feel that you will have a long term career.

Cons

Too much turmoil both at the company and especially at the holding group. Wish that there had been more stability.

Pros

The pay is OK... That's it!

Cons

The IT group for IPG varies from building to building each with its own set of IT folks. The management however 9 times out of 10 are NOT technically knowledgeable at all. The management do not have a clue and spend a great deal of time requesting a status instead of allowing you a chance to complete your work. Even though this is an advertising firm, the demand on the IT dept. is as high as if you were working for a Hedge Fund (just without the pay). Sr. management does not care about the IT satff and as far as they are concern you are roaches there to do there bidding. "Just get it done" is the motto, you mean nothing, you have a job so be happy.

Advice to Senior Management

Instead of wasting talented people in the field replace the "YES-MAN" management you have. You may find that you get a lot more done and spend alot less money!