If you’re an emerging creative on the job hunt, there’s no doubt you’ve come across all types of roles. Although these job postings look nearly identical at first glance, there’s one fundamental differentiation you should make when viewing the type of company: is it an agency or an in-house corporation?
While both environments offer exciting opportunities, they operate in very different ways. An in-house team works for a single corporation and only focuses on that one company’s branding, products, and goals. Their goals are typically long-term and consistent, and the team supports the organization from the inside. An agency, on the other hand, is an external company that provides specific services (e.g. marketing, social media, creative) for multiple clients. Agencies are often brought in by corporations for a defined goal or campaign, and their work spans across many different industries and timelines.
Understanding how agencies and in-house teams differ, and the unique pros and cons of each, can help you make a more informed decision about where you’ll thrive in your career. In this blog, we’ll get into the nitty-gritty of agency life, and explore the pros and cons of what sets it apart from a traditional in-house corporation role.
Pros of Agencies:
Agencies have a strong creative culture. In an agency, you will no doubt be surrounded by creatives such as yourself, as a primary part of an agency’s job is creative work. This makes your workspace a great sounding board for bouncing off ideas and could lead to less creative blocks.
Heavy variety in clientele. Agencies work with all kinds of clients in a wide span of industries. This makes portfolio growth and versatility a very achievable notion and could help you find your niche. There is also less of a chance of creative burnout in this field as well due to this.
More versatility in roles. Agencies operate in a team of creatives and slice work up more finely between roles. For example, while in-house corporations may offer roles such as marketing manager, content strategist, and designer, an agency may offer more specialized positions such as SEO specialist, copywriter, social media manager, and UX writer. Whatever field you’re most interested in, there’s a place for you in an agency!
Cons of Agencies:
Less work-life balance. Agencies often offer a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and unpredictable hours. While this is a pro for some, others may find this overwhelming.
Client constraints. You have less control over what you are creating in an agency, with a client’s wants and needs dictating the creative process. This requires top-of-the-line communication between you and your client.
Less job stability. Agencies are especially sensitive to market shifts and client losses, making them more prone to layoffs.
An agency will be the best fit for you if you enjoy variety, rapid learning, collaboration, public-facing work, and portfolio building, and if you are comfortable with long hours. An agency will be less suitable for you if you prioritize predictable hours, steady workload, high base salary, or ownership of a single brand over time.
At the end of the day, it’s not about which path is better; it’s about which one fits you. Some of these “pros” may be another’s “cons”, and vice versa! Agency life isn’t for everyone, but for some creatives, it’s the perfect fit.
Lastly, if you’re looking to start the job hunt but don’t have a clue where to begin, be sure to visit the UGA Career Center’s portfolio page! A portfolio is essential for showcasing your work and getting hired in the creative space.