Employee Review
- 5.0Jun 1, 2023
Fabulous Creative Environment
InternFormer Intern, less than 1 yearDurham, NCPros
I had a blast being an "MTern" at McKinney. We were given interesting creative projects and had great exposure to professional creatives.
Cons
There was a lack of diverse representation in leadership.
Other Employee Reviews
- 5.0Sep 22, 2023Strategy ManagerCurrent Employee, more than 1 year
Pros
- Strong sense of camaraderie between strategist - CSO and Directors of Strategy are good at what they do, behave like adults, and manage with care - Strategy is valued at McKinney, and relationship with creatives and account tends to be positive and fruitful. - A sense that the team is always learning, and trying to grow together on a personal level, and in terms of business offering.
Cons
Can sometimes get chaotic, but manageable.
- 2.0Sep 6, 2023OperationsFormer Employee, more than 1 yearLos Angeles, CA
Pros
Growth Energy is there. Most people are kind. Competitive salary. Launching McKinney Health. Internship Program.
Cons
McKinney is a "Yes, no problem" agency. No push backs internally or pushing back on clients. Every dept is on the edge of burnout. The lack of pushback has undoubtedly propelled them to the heights they are at now, yet it has compromised the integrity of the agency, the work, and the talent that has brought them acclaim. The talent that brings them acclaim is burnt out and feel underappreciated. Lack of pushback also means complete disorder. If every day feels like a fire drill, that's not the client, that's internal mismanagement and setting poor expectations. Poor work-life balance is guaranteed at MCK. Their HR Team is great - from recruiting to learning & dev. They have the best intentions. Chief EDIB officer could be their saving grace, yet, because the old guard is in power, I have little faith in seeing true change. BIPOC hires are recruited with little advocacy or support. Advocating for anything that is culturally relevant is difficult when you're up against Durham bias and account teams who refuse to push back on conservative clients. Clique after Clique after Clique. And, sorry, not sorry, there is not a single diverse clique at MCK. Chroma is an vanity club, not an ERG, because the diverse hires are so defeated. McKinney has the right idea when they hire new blood to bring in new energy, especially to expand their footprint outside of Durham. That new feel-good energy is stunted when you realize how much senior leadership refuses to integrate new ways of working. So, Hierarchy Battles ensue. One of their core values is to 'provoke'. If you plan to work at McKinney, tread lightly when it comes to questioning any methodology or old way of working. Poor Management from the top down, and poor communication across departments and to the agency. The best accounts have strong collaboration and communication, and that is not McKinney's strong suit. New Business is not diversified across offices and they don't have a dedicated team. Don't expect to work on new business unless you've worked there for 5 years OR you're a fan favorite! Lastly, skills are not rewarded. Connections are. So beware of con people!
