By Corinne Lowry, Chief Client Officer, Something Different
As many complete summer internships and start their first advertising job, it’s a timely moment to consider where new talent can have the opportunity to learn best: at small agencies or large ones.
There’s been much discussion and debate about the state of the industry’s ability to attract, retain and nurture talent, and young professionals considering a career path might rightfully wonder which is the best choice.
Here are some factors to consider:
At large agencies:
- You’ll meet people from a wide range of seniority levels: Large agencies will have all levels of talent who (hopefully) are excited to teach the next generation through example, guidance and mentorship. You can learn from some of the best in the business as well as people who are just a couple of years ahead of you and have just gone through what you’re going through. This is a blessing and a challenge, since there’s so much knowledge to be gleaned from so many different sources.
- You’ll most likely focus on one business at a time: You also might only work on one business for 1-2 years at a time, which allows you to really dive in and see how a brand and campaigns evolve over time.
- You’ll get exposure to experts in multiple disciplines: Larger agencies offer expertise for all disciplines, so you can be a sponge and learn from everything happening around you. It also means you have larger teams of experts all involved in client projects. However, take note that getting such cross-disciplinary experience can take extra effort along with a manager who is willing to enable such opportunities.
Meanwhile, at smaller agencies:
- There’s a higher level of visibility: With smaller teams, the opportunities are endless for talent to learn and jump into the work. If you fit in with the culture and are committed to the smaller agency’s vision, it’s even easier to be seen and recognized for your work. On the flip side: It’s also very easy to see the weaker talent as there’s nowhere to hide. Everyone must be an adult and pull their weight at smaller agencies, which means the talent is usually more senior, more experienced and top of their game.
- You’ll have the opportunity to work on multiple clients at a time: You’ll most likely work across multiple brands at a smaller agency, as everyone’s involved in everything. It can be fun, chaotic and thrilling. It can also get overwhelming, but that’s where you have to be open and transparent if you’re overloaded and need more help.
- You may enjoy collaboration with senior clients: You may find smaller agencies provide more opportunities to stretch above your level and get exposed to more senior clients as well, given the team is smaller and more agile in terms of process.
The advice I always give to young talent:
There are pros and cons to learning at both small and large agencies. The size of the agency will provide different experiences and guide your career path in different ways, but it’s up to you to stay an active participant and curious learner along the way to ensure you continue to be fulfilled in your career in the future. Gaining experience at both types of agencies and across multiple industries will also help make you more marketable as you advance in your career. You’ll also quickly learn what’s right for you and where you feel most at home, while still challenged and inspired by your team, manager and clients.
For agency leaders looking to nurture young talent:
We all know that great young talent is hard to find. If you’re lucky enough to hire someone who’s eager to learn and excited for their career in advertising, help to nurture that spirit every day. Take advantage of your agency’s benefits to teach and grow your talent. Challenge and test them, but also give them opportunities and exposure to learn from the experts at your agency, regardless of level. This will keep talent inspired and constantly learning so they can grow at your agency.
