Marketing Department Experience - Marketing Coordinator HDR Employee Review

3.0
21 Feb 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Tight-knit marketing groups that are highly motivated and strive for quality and excellence - to represent HDR's principals and expertise to their clients. Any need is quickly addressed - company resources are available within the same office floor. From printing needs, to special office supplies, to professional expertise and advice. However, as a highly creative individual, my passion is not within the engineering realm of business. If you would like to simply acquire a somewhat 'entry-level' career position within the marketing world, whether your background is in graphic design, journalism, or marketing - this job is a great stepping stone. You get to participate in business trips for training, face constructive challenges like presenting ideas and leading meetings and other opportunities for personal growth and skill building.

Cons

Lots of turnover. Not sure if its just the nature of the consultant business environment for engineers and other departments alike, or its simply due to unhappy employees. The job is a great start when it comes to marketing - but you quickly find that many marketing positions (mine specifically as marketing coordinator) have a life expectancy of 2 years and the managers make no real effort to encourage growth or upper movement. It must also be the nature of the business but marketing within an engineering company is tough. Engineers are difficult to work with when you must lead and organize meetings regularly and coordinate on a daily basis to finish proposal and related marketing work in a timely manner.

Explore other reviews about HDR

5.0
24 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Fantastic teamwork. The Coastal Group is very close and highly collaborative. There is a lot of support from upper management in the Coastal Group. Lots of projects lined up.

Cons

PTO and Sick Leave are tied together.

1.0
19 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Decent benefits and that was about it.

Cons

This was one of the most challenging management experiences of my career. The manager had spent her entire career at HDR and lacked both external perspective and experience in learning and development, which was critical for our team. There was a clear pattern of favoritism, and feedback tended to focus more on mistakes than recognizing contributions. Work-life balance was minimal, and expectations often extended beyond reasonable limits. I was consistently seeking growth and development opportunities, but these were not supported unless I was willing to fund them myself. Compensation and recognition also felt uneven. Outside of engineering and architecture roles, bonuses were not offered, and raises were infrequent—I received only two raises over four years. Although I’ve since moved on, the experience had a lasting impact on me. I would encourage the organization to invest more in leadership development, employee growth, and a more balanced and supportive workplace culture.

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