Peer Career Consultant Blogs

The Marketing industry is broad and the opposite of straight-forward. I had no clue what I really wanted out of a career in marketing until the summer after my Junior year when a person in my network told me about the world of Marketing Agencies. I've finally found the industry that feels right for me so I'd like to share what I've learned about the space and how you can get started on the journey to creating cool commercials and wearing what you want to the office (as long as it's somewhat stylish)!

Marketing Agencies are organizations that provide specialized marketing consulting to their clients aka brands/companies. For example, let's say Nike has plans to release a new shoe line targeting the Gen Z consumer, but for one reason or another, Nike does not have the internal marketing facilities (i.e. personnel, employee bandwidth, etc.) to confidently proceed with the product launch. In this case, Nike would outsource its marketing needs to a Marketing Agency that specializes in the kind of marketing assets it desires. 

The Benefits:
Experience & Variety: Because Marketing Agencies work with numerous clients, as an employee you'll get to work with tons of different companies and industries at the same time. Not only will you see variety in your everyday work, but you will also be able to learn how marketing plays into all of the brands you know and love (and all the ones you don't -- yet). 

A Fun Work Culture: Because work in agencies tends to be inherently based on creativity (especially in advertising agencies that make commercials for the Super Bowl for example) company culture is established to support creativity. In most agencies, you will find that company culture is much more laid back, free from suits and ties, or the occasional Patagonia sleeveless vest. Agency offices tend to be fun, modern, and open with work attire generally being more relaxed and conducive to self-expression. Also, did I mention the office parties?

How to Get Started:
Network, network, network! One of the most common pieces of advice I have received from professionals in the industry is that agencies are ALL about who you know. The Marketing Agency industry is relatively niche, so the more people you know the better chance you have to land that dream job. Also, keep in mind the general sociability of Marketers. While I recognize this is somewhat of a stereotype, there is some truth in the idea that professionals in Marketing are social people and that they love to chat so make sure to leverage this when breaking into the industry. 

Steps to Success:

• Find out what kind of agencies pique your interest (advertising, branding, comms/media relations, etc.)
• Make a list of 2-3 cool agencies in each of those categories
• Find people fresh out of college that work at those agencies via LinkedIn/your network
• Reach out to those people and set up a time to chat and learn about what they do and how they like their work/agency
• Repeat!

It sounds like a lot of work, I know, but would you rather have to study for the CPA exam while working 9-5 to become a certified accountant? I think talking to people sounds like a lot more fun. 

I hope this blog gives you at least a potential starting point for a new industry to look into. Best of luck in all your endeavors! 

Joseph