If you are in the PR industry, you have most definitely been asked which of the two is better, in-house or agency? They are both different in the way they operate but have the same aim.
As a young professional, I wanted to research the topic and come up with my own opinion.
Pros of a Global Agency
Easy access to technology and software
Easy to bring together the perfect team for a client as there are many employees
Global agencies are seen as reliable with strategic procedures and plans
May have colleagues from across the world (broaden your network)
Each person plays one role so you learn how to do one job well. This usually leads to promotion in your field
Pros of an In-house Agency
Employees and clients have direct access to the CEO
A small budget to a global firm is usually a gigantic budget to a boutique firm
Build a strong rapport with colleagues and know each other's strengths and weaknesses
You have to learn many skills, which is great for experience
Cons of a Global Agency
Learning a new skill takes years, if ever at all
Having access to the CEO is almost non-existent
Cons of an In-house Agency
Bringing together a team that is right for the client sometimes means calling in other agencies
The resources available are sometimes pretty slim
Personally, in the near future I am open to working for either type of PR firm as both provide a great experience and an environment to practice and learn. Later down in life, I think I can see myself working for an In-house agency with a team I know very well.
Do you agree with my points?
Which type of firm do you currently work for and how are you enjoying it?
Thanks for reading!
References:
Pavlou, C., 2020.Agency Recruitment Vs. In-House Recruitment. [online] Recruiting Resources: How to Recruit and Hire Better. Available at: <https://resources.workable.com/stories-and-insights/agency-in-house-recruitment> [Accessed 11 March 2020].
Thanks for the positive feedback @Cleo Szabo. I am so happy that my blog is helping PR students all over England and this tough decision we have to go through! Yes, I feel like in adulthood it is important to know your colleagues very well and work for a team you enjoy spending time with.
Hi! I love this! I'm a PR student myself, studying in London and my university has never really clarified this for us! I appreciate how to-the-point this is and how valid and important all points are. I was certain I'd prefer working for for a Global agency, as I like the idea of promotions and staying within one field, however I do agree with you on how knowing your colleagues well may be nicer, for both work and personal reasons! I'm looking forward to your future posts!
No worries @tenyz! Happy to hear that this blog was useful for you. I agree it is definitely an ongoing debate. I suggest researching even further when reconsidering where you want to work, it might help even more. Thanks for your comment.
I love this topic ! its such an ongoinng debate that young proffesionals always have. Thanks so much for highlighing the pros and cons i needed this to be honest. Some of the Pros i didnt even think of, i might need to reconsider. Thanks again
Thank you for your reply, Alicia. I really appreciate it and I love to engage with my readers! I am so happy to hear that this helped you think about your career and what direction you want to take and I am glad you agree with my point. Thanks for the positive feedback, I will definitely be writing up more career-focused blogs as I now know they are helping young professionals like you and me!
Stay safe!