When you first finish advertising school, you may be eager to take the first job that jumps at you. Perhaps you were offered a full-time job through one of your previous internships and are ready to make a commitment. But when you ask seasoned advertising professionals about what they wish they had known as a graduating student ready to take on the business world, most would agree that you should choose your agency rather than letting it choose you. While it sounds ambiguous, there is more to consider.
What Does It Depend On?
For the most part, advertising agencies operate under a general business model. Their mere survival is entirely dependent on the quality of people they employ and the time they allocate to each client. After all, advertising is a business service. Things start to differ when it comes to an agency’s culture.
Why Do You Want to Work in an Agency?
There is no right or wrong agency to work for, as it all depends on one’s preference. Rather than assuming that any agency will do, assess the reasons why you want to be in an agency setting. No matter which agency you end up working for after graduation, you must be willing to put your clients needs ahead of your own. Although there should be a healthy balance of pleasing and pushing your clients, your success ultimately relies on their satisfaction at the end of the day.
What Makes Up an Agency’s Culture?
There are two things to assess when determining an agency’s culture. The first consideration is one that can usually be answered during an interview: work environment. Since many possibilities exist in terms of a work environment, it is truly dependent on the creativity and personality of its people. Some agencies may consist of lots of noise and chatter, while others are extremely quiet and employees are engrossed in their work.
The other indicator of an agency’s culture is how people treat each other. Unfortunately, this is not something that can be determined right off the bat. Your best bet is to do some research on what former employees have said as well as the agency’s overall reputation.
Your Other Option: Freelancing
One of the advantages of being a freelance creative professional is that you have the choice to dictate how and whom you work with. If you can work through the uncertainty while you are establishing a reputation, freelance work can be lucrative, as well as giving you the freedom to choose the clients and brands you want to work with. Your ability to be employed will not be dictated by anyone but you.
Many creative professionals enjoy doing freelance work for the freedom to choose their clients and projects. They also make their own hours and choose where they work. Sometimes, they can join projects that involve other freelancers if it requires the expertise of others. While this all sounds exciting, the most important consideration of becoming a freelancer is whether or not you have the ability to be accountable for yourself in all respects of the process.
Overall, doing freelance work can be exciting because of the possibility to always work on something new. Conversely, it is not designed for people who need a structured work environment to increase their chances of success. Regardless of which path you choose to take, it’s important to pick the setting that makes you enjoy what you do.
Cultivate your Creativity at Florida International University (FIU)
The Global Strategic Communications Creative Track program leads to a Master of Science Degree in Mass Communication with a specialty in Creativity, also known as the Creative Track. This program, in partnership with world renowned Miami Ad School, is designed to tap into a student’s creative skills and strategic thinking. Learn how to develop an advertising campaign through the analysis of a brand’s issues with creative solutions that engage consumers at the deepest levels. The program combines the theoretical and academic courses of Florida International University with creative skills development courses taken at Miami Ad School, learning from instructors that are at the top of their academic and professional careers.
If you are ready harness your creative ability and strategic thinking, and earn a graduate degree from two top world renowned institutions, contact Grizelle De Los Reyes, Director of the Global Strategic Communications Creative Track program, at gdelosre@fiu.edu.
