Zimmerman Advertising Reviews

Pros

Zimmerman sets the tone for employees to learn, be self-starters and explore opportunities. Employees are encouraged to explore their interests and can transfer to other departments if they decide on a different career path. Also, all new hires are put through an onboarding process in which they get to meet and talk with all of the department heads and get an inside view of how the agency is run.

Cons

Pro and con is that this is a fast-paced work environment where 24/7 is the motto. However, while at times this can be taxing it's also keeps it interesting. Another pro/con is that the company offers valet. Why? Because there's not enough parking.

Pros

LOTS of hands-on experience and autonomy. Even as an assistant, I was responsible for all planning, monitoring and reporting efforts for two clients. In previous jobs elsewhere, it seemed like I continued doing random tasks that were always presented to the client by someone else. At Zimmerman in my department, I get to take credit for my work and I get excited to see my efforts displayed- whether it's the launch of a digital campaign or praise from the client about positive results.

New ideas and methods are encouraged. My supervisor has my team regularly present on emerging digital trends or technologies in the news, as a way of keeping us up to date and to spark new strategies for our future campaigns. We also hold meetings with new vendors 1-2 times a week for the same purpose. I started in the position with basic knowledge of digital media, and these are a huge help for me when I plan.

Strong team environment. There's a real sense of community in my department- we help each other recommend new strategies and vendors. The typical work day is very busy, but also exciting- I enjoy the department back and forth banter and everyone's jam sessions from Pandora. We all live up to the motto of "24/7 Seriously", but we definitely have fun here!

Cons

Busy workload- If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. There is always something to do, often with a short deadline attached. Being extremely organized and a skilled multi-tasker will help.

Heavy extracurricular schedule- In my department, we regularly have after-hours events with clients and sales reps and local networking organizations. Some months are more jam-packed than others, but they're generally exciting events and I enjoy them. However, if you're not a shmoozy person or if you just want to go home after work, you might consider this a con.

Advice to Senior Management

More departments at Z should be modeled around this department- I really enjoy my team and my position here.

Some supervisors micromanage more than others and their behavior needs to be corrected- it makes it incredibly difficult to produce good work.

Pros

You meet so many people, you learn the culture of an advertising agency, you gain a lot of experience, they want to retain your talent so they allow you to move to other departments in the agency.

Cons

In some departments, you are not rewarded for your efforts and you do not get compensated necessarily when you deserve it.

Advice to Senior Management

Encourage your employees to push themselves, teach them how to do things better. Let them learn from their mistakes. If you see that they are having a hard time, offer your assistance and advice.

Pros

You will learn a lot quickly. There is a lot of activity and always new projects so you will get a lot of experience. It is a huge agency and they handle every aspect of the industry so you will be exposed to all departments. They give you onboarding and orientation once you are hired and you are introduced to the agency and the environment.

Cons

You should anticipate working a lot of hours but if you are a hard worker and want to learn you will do fine... their motto is 24/7 (seriously)

Pros

You will gain experience but at the expense of your health.

Cons

People are treated like garbage and everyone is at each other's throats. Employee's are routinely laid off with zero notice or severance. Despite the hard work mantras, advancement is based on politics.

Advice to Senior Management

none

Pros

The company is a good place for Jr. staff to get started in the industry. There are always open positions and they are quick to bring in Jr. Staff

Cons

Very few senior people in media. High turn over. Lots of negative attitude from Sr. Management. Poor pay. Poor conditions. Sweat shop. 24/7 is ridiculous.

Advice to Senior Management

Clean out the top. The tree is bad. Middle management will continue to treat people inhumanly as long as upper management continues to do so

Pros

Executive Management is fun to work with, people outside of your team are willing to help and collaborate on brainstorms but best yet, being part of a company who knows how to win.

Cons

Unfortunately there are pressures from middle management that I assume trickle down from upper management. I wouldn't mind the company embracing the fact that we are all human and make mistakes - it's what makes us better.

Advice to Senior Management

Middle management is in a very difficult position - they need to stop any negative energy that is transcending down the corporate ladder before it effects the people who are working hard in the trenches.

Pros

-open door policy
-lots of challenges
-lots of freedom to solve challenges
-the joy of actually solving challenges
-growth and stability
-Jordan Zimmerman
-the charity events offered to employees

Cons

-the facility
-the egos (is it because of industry?)
-the acceptable foul language

Advice to Senior Management

-communicate more
-avoid layers of management

Pros

The people!! Everyday I am blessed with contribution from executive leadership, my department head, and my team, they make it all worth while. Each day new challenges emerge that allow me to express my creativity through innovative problem solving. This makes me stay at the top of my game and allows me the opportunity to shine on a regular basis. Zimmerman is a place where you can truly create your own destiny. I have continued to advance my career each year and cultivate my skills making Zimmerman a true asset for me.

Cons

Only the strong survive! You will not get pampered in any way.
Sometimes the 24/7 seriously is a bit much as Zimmerman expects you to produce above and beyond the average agency. The level of accountability and commitment for some can be overwhelming at first. Slow adaptation to a fully integrated approach to advertising/marketing in a holistic way.

Advice to Senior Management

Invest as much in internal human resources as you do in clients.
Aggressively pursue thought leadership and new business consistent with a holistic approach to integrated advertising/marketing.

Pros

1. Experience- Zim is a large agency that is nationally recognized. It look good to put on a resume and you get exposed to a lot very quickly
2. The people- the people are young and fun, and will share your misery.
3. Executive Management-The Execs at Zim are very bright and insightful, when first hired you'll get a chanve to hear them speak and learn a thing or 2 from them.

Cons

1.No Training- You'll get 0 training and a fast paced high stress work environment that is sink or swim.
2. Salary- Many of the low level employees and even some mi-level still live at home because the salary is awful, you wont be able to afford and "benefits" that Zim offers
3. Mid-Management- for the most part terrible, and unwilling to help. Very self centered and self serving. Wont hesitate to throw low-level employees under the bus to cover their mistakes
4. Atmosphere- although the people are fun EVERYONE hates there job here and is trying to get out. Very high turnover rate. If you make it past 18mos you are considered old.
5. Promotions- almost non existent. Very politically motivated. Flirt or kiss-a** to get ahead is about the only way
6. Work Life Balance- Its work work work with no overtime, no bonus, no raises, and no praise. 24/7 means 24/7. High Stress enviroment

-work here at your own risk-

Advice to Senior Management

Treat your employees better and help them get ahead. Give them more of an incentive to work the grueling hours you demand. PAY THEM FAIRLY! Pull your heads out of your a** and realize the toxic work environment you are creating!