Starting Your Marketing Career in an Agency: Four Pros and a Con
Diving into the marketing world can be exciting and daunting. A major decision for aspiring marketers is whether to begin their career in an agency setting. Below is a detailed breakdown of the advantages and challenges of starting in a marketing agency, but let me be transparent about my bias- I absolutely believe that starting in an agency is the best route for those seeking a long-term, top-level career in marketing. If that’s not a priority for you, agency life might not be a good fit (and that’s okay).
The Pros
Experience
Working in an agency exposes you to various industries and clients, enhancing your adaptability and broadening your skill set. This diversity is invaluable as it allows you to tackle different marketing challenges and develop a versatile portfolio of experiences. For instance, you might work with a restaurant one day and a fashion brand the next, gaining insights into different market dynamics and consumer behaviors.
As a mentor once told me, it’s easier to swim downstream- meaning that it’s better to start with essentially the hardest job you can get in your field, hoping that later on you’ll be able to attain more senior positions in start-ups and smaller companies where your experience will allow you to crush it with a certain amount of ease. That doesn’t mean that later work will be “easy” per se, but you might get more comfortable with what others find difficult.
Skill Development
Agencies are known for their fast-paced environments, which can accelerate your learning curve. You'll get hands-on experience with the latest marketing tools and techniques, often working alongside seasoned professionals who can mentor you. This environment fosters rapid skill acquisition, from mastering digital marketing platforms to understanding advanced analytics.
If you wanted to get really good at ice hockey, you might consider moving to Minnesota, Massachusetts, or Canada. Surrounding yourself with people doing the same thing with the same attitude can bring out your best. Just about anyone can be the best hockey player in Arkansas, but it takes hard work and perseverance to keep your spot on the roster in Ontario.
Networking Opportunities
Agencies offer the chance to build a strong professional network. From colleagues and clients to media and influencers, the connections you make can be beneficial throughout your career. These relationships can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Networking within an agency also means learning from the best in the field, attending industry events and getting to know members of the media.
A publicist without a network is like a bird that can’t fly, and there’s a reason chickens get fried. Know as many people as you can, and try to be known. There is power in your contact list and whose contact list you are in.
Career Growth
Many agencies have clear paths for advancement. If you perform well, there's potential for career progression from junior roles to senior management positions. The diverse projects you handle also bolster your resume, making you an attractive candidate for future roles. Agencies often reward hard work and results with promotions and opportunities to lead projects, providing a clear trajectory for ambitious professionals.
The Con
High Pressure, Expectations and Workload
Agency life is known for its intensity. Tight deadlines and demanding clients can be the norm, sometimes leading to higher-than-average stress levels. The workload can be overwhelming, often requiring long hours, sometimes at inconvenient times, making this pressure difficult to manage. Handling multiple clients with varying needs can be challenging, as each client has unique expectations and demands, which can sometimes border on unrealistic. Managing these expectations while delivering quality work can be stressful, and the constant pressure to keep clients happy can be difficult.
Some people aren’t a fit for the high-pressure environment of agency life, which can lead to burnout. The constant need to perform and meet tight deadlines can take time to manage. Agencies often have high employee turnover rates due to stressful working conditions, which affect team dynamics and project continuity. Agencies cater to a diverse clientele, so you might only sometimes work on projects that align with your interests or passions. This can be a drawback if you prefer focusing on a specific industry or type of marketing. The need to constantly switch gears and adapt to different client needs can also be mentally exhausting.
With that being said, every agency is not created equal, and we at CBPR work hard to combat employee turnover by offering above industry-standard salary and benefits, the flexibility of a hybrid model and 9-5 hours versus 8-6 like some of our competitors. We also always aim to be overstaffed versus under and constantly check in with our team members to ensure they aren’t spread too thin. It’s important in your interviews with different agencies to get a good feel for how many accounts you would be working on, your expected hours, and how much support you will have from senior leadership.
Conclusion
Overall, if you are a motivated, hardworking self-starter, the pros of agency life may outweigh the cons. The diverse experiences, skill development and networking opportunities offer significant advantages. However, the high pressure, demanding workload, and potential for burnout are important considerations.
Visit our blog for more insights and tips on navigating the marketing world. Whether you're starting your career or looking to advance it, understanding the nuances of agency life can help you make informed decisions and set you on the path to success.
A Few Tips for Thriving in an Agency
Time Management Skills: Time management is crucial in an agency setting. Prioritize tasks, set realistic deadlines, and avoid overcommitting.
Embrace Feedback: Constructive criticism is a part of agency life. You can use feedback to improve your skills and deliver better results.
Stay Updated: The marketing industry is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and technologies to keep your skills relevant.
Seek Balance: To avoid burnout, balance work and personal life. Take breaks, pursue hobbies, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Build Relationships: Networking within the agency can open up new opportunities and can also be the beginning of some beautiful friendships.
Remembering these tips and understanding the benefits and challenges of agency life can help you make the most of your marketing career.