These aren't the jobs you're looking for - Digital Media Designer USA TODAY Co. Employee Review

1.0
Aug 24, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Steady job. "OK" job for recent grads... Able to burn through podcasts quickly. That's about it.

Cons

After working for three years I can safely say it's probably the worst job I've ever worked in my life. Upper management wants the designers to be "creative" but run the department as if it were a factory churning out ads. Turnover is high. Pay is equivalent to baristas or almost any other entry level job despite requiring knowledge of HTML, CSS, and animation in ads. Haven't gotten a raise in two years even though asking continually. Stress is compounded by constant micromanaging to hit nearly impossible benchmarks. Morale is very low and they discourage people from "talking". Always being told to "do better". Everything the employees do is calculated in a statical daily chart to the point it's difficult recognize the difference between GIADC and ESPN. Upper management/ad representatives are oblivious to what the design department has to put up with daily. From one artist to another: avoid this place like the plague. It kills the passion and determination of creative people.

Explore other reviews about USA TODAY Co.

5.0
Feb 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Talented staff. Smart editors and reporters across the company.

Cons

Still need more staff, but we haven't seen cuts in newsrooms for a few years.

5.0
May 18, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

A company that I believe genuinely cares about its employees as much as their clients. Great work/life balance, decent pay, great culture, welcoming and supportive atmosphere.

Cons

Trying to "fix" too many things at one time can lead to inconsistency and feelings of being overwhelmed at all levels. There is a lot of great intent and plans to continue to grow the company and make things better overall, however, sometimes it felt a lot like "pulling at straws" approach where upper leadership would try something impulsively, and not stick to it long enough to see if it could truly make an impact, and many times certain approaches contradicted a previous one for a different area of opportunity. However, it's important to note, that through many moving parts, there was always support offered, and a "safe space" to provide feedback at even entry level roles.

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