FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency providing Content, Creative, Digital Technology, Management & Delivery, and Data & Insights services.
Operating as a full-service agency partner or through embedding specialist talent into client teams, FIRST brings brands and people together through creative, connected experiences. Spanning 12 countries with more than 800 team members, FIRST works with clients across industries, including financial services, technology, new & traditional media, automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and professional services. FIRST is part of the broader Encore family of companies. Encore is a global leader in event production and technology. Learn more at firstagency.com and connect with FIRST on LinkedIn.
FIRST has received numerous accolades, including being listed among the 2025 Most Innovative Marketing Agencies of the Year by Chief Marketer, named Top Agency of the Year 2024 by Event Marketer, highlighted as a Global Agency of the Year, Over 100 Employees by C&IT, and listed among the "200 Top Marketing Agencies" in 2024, 2023, & 2022 by Chief Marketer.
Learn more at www.firstagency.com
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Pros: Working as a Software Engineer here has been a really positive experience, especially for career growth in the technology industry. I've had tons of learning opportunities, from new programming languages to complex system designs. My colleagues are super supportive, always willing to help out and share knowledge. It's a great environment if you're looking to develop your technical skills and progress in your career path. The hybrid work model in Austin, TX is also a big plus.
Cons: While there are many strengths, the promotion process can feel a bit slow sometimes, even with good performance reviews. It feels like there's a lot of red tape to cut through. Also, depending on the project, work-life balance can occasionally dip during critical deadlines, though it usually evens out. Communication about company-wide initiatives could be a bit clearer at times.
Advice to Management: Focus on streamlining the internal promotion framework and making the career progression path more transparent. Recognizing and rewarding high performers faster would be a huge motivator for engineers looking to advance their careers.
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Pros: For some planning and administrative tasks, there's good WFH availability. Certain media production roles can get hybrid options, which is a plus. It's not a rigid 5-day in-office environment for everyone.
Cons: Actual onsite event staff have almost no flexibility, you're just there. Management struggles with consistent hybrid policies across all departments, it feels a bit uneven. For a big corporate company, I expected better. Sometimes it's hard to get a clear answer on work from home days.
Advice to Management: Try to standardize hybrid options and communicate policies more clearly. It would help a lot with employee morale, especially for those in the New York City office who don't need to be onsite every day.
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Pros: The hybrid work model is a huge plus, giving me some good work flexibility. I also appreciate the passion people have for STEM education here. For those in the Manchester, NH office, it's a solid group. The mission really makes you feel like you're doing good.
Cons: The work-life balance really suffers during event season. As a Program Coordinator, I often worked way over 40 hours a week for robotics competitions. It's tough to disconnect when there's always something to do, and weekend work is pretty common.
Advice to Management: Try to better manage the workload spikes during the main robotics competition season. Ensure staff, especially in event planning roles, don't get burnt out from too much weekend work.
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What is the typical work-life balance like for software engineers at FIRST, especially for those working remotely?
No answers yet.
What is the typical work-life balance like for software engineers at FIRST in Chicago?
Software engineers at FIRST generally maintain a good work-life balance, with typical work hours often aligning closely with a standard 40-hour week. While project deadlines can sometimes require extra effort, the company culture supports flexibility and discourages consistent overwork, allowing for personal time.
What is the day-to-day working culture like at FIRST, especially for entry-level software engineers in their Austin office?
The culture at FIRST is generally collaborative, with a focus on teamwork and knowledge sharing, particularly in the Austin tech hub. New engineers are often paired with mentors to help them integrate and learn the company's development processes quickly.
What is the typical work-life balance like for software engineers at FIRST's Seattle office, and how does the company support it?
FIRST generally supports a healthy work-life balance for its software engineering roles in Seattle. While project demands can vary, employees report that management respects personal time, and flexible scheduling options are often available to accommodate commitments outside of work.
What is the typical salary range for a software engineer at FIRST in San Francisco, considering their recent Series B funding?
Software engineers at FIRST in San Francisco can expect competitive salaries, generally ranging from $140,000 to $180,000 annually. This range reflects the company's growth stage and the demand for skilled tech talent in the Bay Area.
What is the day-to-day working culture like for a software engineer at FIRST?
The culture at FIRST is collaborative and fast-paced, typical for a mid-sized tech company in the San Francisco Bay Area. Engineers often work in agile teams, focusing on iterative development and continuous integration. There's a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing through regular tech talks and code reviews.
