Valuable but difficult experience - Senior Executive Formula PR Employee Review

2.0
15 May 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

There is the chance to work with some solid, national clients. Great opportunity to develop valuable skills and experience. What you can learn and develop will be valuable at other jobs down the road. Opinions, contributions and ideas are sought out from all levels, so even if you are junior staff, you will gain experience generating creative ideas and working on business plans. Low tolerance for laziness or incompetence in many departments so you will likely not be frustrated by co-workers who aren't pulling their weight. The bulk of the employees are young, so there is limited "Old ways of thinking." Frequent opportunities for free meals and drinks.

Cons

Very heavy workload, frequently very understaffed for the amount of clients and projects that they take on. Abnormally large focus on dress code and appearance. Women are required to wear a certain measurement of heels on most days and anything that isn't exactly to management's liking. Lack of outside perspective. Almost all upper management has limited experience outside of the company. Huge turnover rate, more than 50 percent in one calendar year. Frequent forced culture/social activities where behavior and attendance is judged heavily by management. Poor work/personal life balance.

Explore other reviews about Formula PR

5.0
19 Nov 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Fast paced. Learn a TON.

Cons

PR is hard. I wish there were also more stairs in the building.

4.0
7 Jul 2015
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

At this firm, you learn something new every single day and your senior mentors want to make sure that you're constantly being challenged and always growing. There's no doubt that you work hard--that's agency life and PR life--but the long, hard hours make you a well-trained PR professional who understands PR inside and out. Formula provides employees with the opportunity to have face-to-face time with clients and often perform work that's above their level. These constant challenges create a strong learning environment and give employees the opportunity to move up the ladder and grow at their own pace--which is usually fast for the hungriest PR professionals. The dress code is professional and not anti-feminist as stated below; the firm wants you to dress and act professionally and be prepared for an on-the-spot meeting with a client if the opportunity presents itself. There are fun social events such as happy hours and backyard BBQs which are optional but recommended it you want to get acquainted with your colleagues and build relationships in the workplace. I always attended the social events and now my once employees are some of my best friends. All in all, I wouldn't trade my 2+ years for anything and recommend Formula to any young professional who wants to enter the professional world, learn a ton, and be a competitive candidate in the communications world.

Cons

There is high turnover, but again, this is agency life and PR life; it's not for everyone, but rather for hungry, energetic and passionate professionals.

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