Pros
MarketingLab has put in the work to develop core values, and regularly checks itself (and its employees) against them. People buy into them in a non-corporate way, and it prevents the culture from deteriorating. For example, "Promises made, promises kept" is a core value, and the phrase is overheard in normal conversation at least once a month. There's a common idea that all agencies are fun. It may be true, but MarketingLab embraces being fun, while being unique and original. Company outings, seasonal events, and even goofy side projects are all original work of the staff at MarketingLab, and people are proud to be a part of it. Much like Hogwarts (what!? a Harry Potter reference in a company review!?), help and opportunity will always be given to employees at MarketingLab who ask for it. Leadership is extremely supportive of people who want to grow professionally within the walls of the agency. Very few people quit, and even fewer get fired. It's not the type of place where you pop in for a few years, get some experience, then bolt for another agency offering a slightly bigger role and new clients. It's the kind of place that grows from within. Great location in the North Loop area, four floors above a great bar/restaurant. Great benefits: Lots of holidays (first day of summer? really?), day-to-day flexibility, performance reviews and personal growth plans, agency lunches, celebrations for staff getting married or having children, and the list goes on. Most importantly, the creative team designs a personalizes, 100% custom sheet cake for each and every person's birthday. That's called going the extra step to make something truly unique and special.
Kontras
This isn't so much a "con" as a reality check. Although there is a lot of opportunity to grow, be promoted, and make more money, it isn't given to you. You have to go after it. If you're not motivated - and actively seek new challenges and responsibilities - you could be stuck in the same role for a long time. You have to earn your success (but isn't that to be expected?). Can be loud at times, and difficult to concentrate due to the open layout and general hustle & bustle. MarketingLab is a shopper marketing agency by definition, so if you're looking to find a traditional advertising agency, this isn't it. The work varies pretty significantly from client-to-client, and the capabilities are often expanding, but the foundation of the business is shopper marketing, and that's primarily the work you'd be involved in.