Freelancing at SWAT: nice people, good work - Anonymous employee NSG/SWAT Employee Review

4.0
12 Jul 2017
Anonymous contractor
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I liked working at SWAT for its entrepreneurial vibe. Everyone pitched in together, it was very collaborative, and there were not a lot of layers even though it is led by experienced players. Juniors are given a lot of responsibility which is great for someone who wants to grow fast and punch above their weight. The client mix is good. Richard Kirshenbaum is awesome and one of a kind. Nice people. No jerks that I ever encountered. It was one of my favorite gigs. They pay on time.

Cons

You're definitely expected to put in the work and be willing to pitch in where you're needed so the hours can be more than the average agency. It's very much a start up mentality, so you have to be in the game and willing. The leadership team has high standards in what they expect from the work, so that can be good or bad, depending on your ability to hit the mark or whether you have dinner plans, lol. Personally, I liked that environment because it was a chance to learn, but it can rub some people the wrong way, especially if design/advertising isn't their main thing. If that's what you want to do then it's amazing for that. But if you're "maybe" about the business, then probably not.

Explore other reviews about NSG/SWAT

5.0
21 Apr 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I've been at SWAT now for a few months and I can honestly say that I love coming into work because of how friendly and nice everyone is. Every day presents new work and there is always someone with a unique background to help guide and point me in the right direction. SWAT feels like a little family that is committed to making impactful work for a wide array of brands. I have learned so much in so little time working here.

Cons

While I have learned so much here, there have also been times when I wish I was challenged a bit more. Overall, however, my experience has been very fulfilling.

1
3.0
6 Jul 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I was an Account Exec at SWAT for just shy of two years. Some of the major pros were access to senior-level leadership that come from a variety of backgrounds and are incredibly knowledgeable, as well as very talented & motivated junior employees. The team, particularly all of the younger employees, became very close and supportive of each other, which was a positive experience. At a relatively young age, I was also given access to many senior-level clients and was trusted to develop strategies, create decks, and even present work on occasion. Because there is a small team and the environment is very fast-paced, I feel that my professional growth was accelerated in terms of communication and presentation skills, as well as time management. I think my time at SWAT was integral to my overall career development and provided me with some invaluable skills that have helped me move up in my career quickly.

Cons

The hours you are expected to work are relatively long (12+ hour days were fairly regular) with limited PTO. The environment can at times be very high-stress, and I found the physical space to be a bit difficult to work in. Additionally, I didn't feel that my compensation matched the amount and quality of work I was providing, which ultimately catalyzed my decision to leave the company and work elsewhere.

2
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