Life in a creative agency

A few weeks ago I was invited to join the marketing society’s panel at City of Glasgow College to provide some insights into agency life.

I’d like to thank my wonderful friend and ex-colleague Kathleen Anderson for the invite, Allanah Louise Methven and her Marketing Society and student colleagues for organising and hosting. It was also great to meet and join Simran Billing of Hydrogen on the panel.

I’ve spent half of my working life in agency and half of it as a client (both in public and private sector),?so I know it well.

Working in a busy digital agency can be an exhilarating and dynamic experience. It's a lot of fun but it’s not for the faint-hearted!?

A creative agency typically involves a fast-paced environment where creativity, technology, and marketing converge. Here's a glimpse into what life might be like:

• Diverse projects and creativity:?Every day, you're likely to engage with a variety of projects, each with unique challenges and objectives. This diversity fosters creativity, as you're constantly thinking outside the box to deliver innovative solutions for clients.
• Collaboration and teamwork:?Collaboration is key in a digital agency. You'll work closely with talented individuals from different disciplines, such as designers, developers, SEO specialists, and content creators. This teamwork leads to a synergistic work environment where ideas are shared and refined.
• Learning and development:?The digital landscape is always evolving, offering endless opportunities for learning. Whether it's the latest trends in digital marketing, new design tools, or emerging technologies, there's always something new to learn. This continuous learning keeps your skills sharp and your work cutting-edge.
• Fast-paced and deadline-driven:?The work can be fast-paced, with multiple projects running concurrently. Managing tight deadlines and client expectations is a regular part of the job. This environment demands excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively. It will be stressful at times, so will suit someone who can build resilience.?
• Client Interaction:?Regular interaction with clients is a significant aspect of the job. This involves understanding their needs, presenting ideas and progress, and ensuring their vision is realised in the final product.
• Problem-solving:?Each project comes with its own set of challenges, requiring problem-solving skills. Whether it's a technical issue, a design dilemma, or a marketing strategy conundrum, finding solutions is part of your daily routine.
• Work Culture:?The culture in digital agencies often blends professionalism with a touch of informality. This blend can create a comfortable and creative atmosphere, where humour and humility are appreciated alongside expertise and hard work.
• Impact and Satisfaction:?Seeing your projects come to life and knowing they're making a tangible impact for your clients can be incredibly satisfying. There's a sense of pride in contributing to their success.

If the above sounds like something you’d enjoy in your career, then please do consider agency life.?

In tda!, I’ve been very lucky.?I have the opportunity to forge an agency with values I believe in, people I respect, and clients who have a wide variety of challenges. We try hard to be great at what we do.

We’ll have a few work placements available in Summer 2024 for some outstanding people. Applications can be made on the careers section of our website: https://thedigitalage.co.uk/?

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