Pros
I worked at Duarte for nearly 11 years, and I have deep respect and appreciation for the company and the role it played in shaping my professional journey. Duarte truly cares about its employees — a value that starts at the top and is felt throughout the organization. Leadership leads with empathy and understanding, which is fitting given that empathy is also at the heart of the company’s storytelling methodology. My managers were outstanding — supportive, approachable, and consistently invested in my growth. One of the things I valued most about working at Duarte was the unique professional exposure it offered. Collaborating with some of the world’s most influential brands and their top executives created an incredible learning environment. It’s a rare opportunity for creatives to sharpen both their design skills and their soft skills in such a meaningful way. Duarte is a place where you’re not only encouraged to grow — you’re given the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to do so.
Kontras
Every company comes with its own challenges, and Duarte is not immune. I'll break my challenges into two main categories. 1) Like many small to mid-sized businesses, Duarte has undergone significant change since the pandemic. In adapting to a shifting economy and evolving client needs, the company has invested heavily in developing new offerings. While that evolution is understandable, it’s come at the cost of some of the clarity and strength behind what Duarte has historically done best — visual storytelling. The processes and workflows that once set them apart have felt less defined in recent years. 2) Second, compensation can be a challenge — especially when compared to what larger tech companies offer. It’s a common reality in smaller, mission-driven organizations. While I don’t think there’s an easy solution, it’s important for prospective employees to go in with open eyes, and to see the role as an incredible opportunity to grow creatively, build meaningful relationships, and gain experience that’s hard to find elsewhere.