u/Dry-Difference-1207

Hi everyone,
One of my friends recently got an opportunity to join Cognizant Gurgaon as a Google Ads SME. The offer looks decent overall, but she has a few doubts before making the final decision and would really appreciate guidance from people working there or who have worked in similar projects.
Her current profile:
2.3 years of experience in Performance Marketing
Current CTC: 6 LPA
YOE: 2.3 Years
Latest Compensation Offered:
Basic: ₹2,89,200
HRA: ₹2,47,800
Conveyance Allowance: ₹1,30,512
Company PF Contribution: ₹34,704
Special Allowance: ₹1,23,780
Annual Gross Compensation (AGC): ₹8,25,996
Additional:
Incentive (Indicative): ₹24,000 per annum
Medical/Accident/Life Insurance Benefits: ₹19,500
Indicative Gratuity: ₹19,864
Total CTC: ₹8,89,360 (~8.9 LPA)

However, in the offer letter the designation/role mentions “SME-CX-Multi Channel Helpdesk”, which sounds confusing. HR assured her that it is not a support/helpdesk role and is actually related to Google Ads operations/SME work. One ex-colleague also confirmed something similar, but she still wants clarity from current employees if possible.
A few questions:
Is this actually a Google Ads/performance marketing role or eventually a support/helpdesk process?
Is the salary structure/package okay for someone moving from 6 LPA with 2.3 YOE?
Since they are not providing relocation benefits or joining bonus, is it reasonable to negotiate for either of them?
How strict is the work model in Gurgaon office?
Complete 5 days WFO?
Hybrid/WFH options available?
Do employees travelling from NCR locations outside Gurgaon get cab facility/reimbursements?
How are appraisals and yearly bonuses in this project/company?
Is proper training provided initially?
Are there good learning opportunities for upskilling into newer areas like advanced PPC, analytics, AI marketing tools, etc.?
Would really appreciate honest reviews about:
Work culture
Growth opportunities
Work pressure
Stability in Cognizant

Hi everyone,

I had posted earlier about my girlfriend receiving an offer from an advertising agency under IPG, but she decided not to go ahead due to relatively lower pay and a better offer she already has from Gurgaon.

Recently, she received another offer from AffinityX (Pune) for a Programmatic Specialist role. From what I understand, it’s also an agency setup maybe not as large as IPG or Omnicom, but it seems to offer similar perks.

However, we’re seeing mixed reviews on AmbitionBox and Glassdoor, especially around work-life balance and slower career growth. If anyone here is currently working at AffinityX or has worked there in the past, it would really help to hear your honest experience particularly around:
- Work culture and work-life balance
- Learning opportunities
- Career growth during and after the role

One positive aspect is that the role offers a remote work option, which could help her save more.

Also, if you have insights on what would be a fair/ideal salary range for a Programmatic Specialist with ~2.5 years of experience, that would be very helpful.

Appreciate any guidance, thanks in advance!