When to Embark on a Career in the Account Service Department of an Ad Agency?

This post addresses a recent enquiry from a young Chinese professional.

"After my graduation, I started working at a Company in their Marketing department. Now, after three years, I think that I would prefer to work in an Advertising Agency in the long-term. I heard that the most common career path is to first start out at an Ad Agency and then to switch to the client side. Do I still have the chance in an Advertising Agency?”

First, Advertising Agencies are constantly on the lookout for talent with the ability to establish strong relationships with colleagues and clients, quickly grasp an understanding of the Agency's processes and internal project management principles, and adapt to their matrix reporting structure and multidisciplinary nature of projects while working well in large teams. So, if you are this kind of person, then chances are good that you will get noticed.

Second, Advertising Agencies are oftentimes more demanding, ambiguous, and faster paced than in-house Marketing Departments. Many professionals also experience difficulty thriving in such an environment after spending too much time on the client side. Consequently, it is best for you to get your hands dirty at an Ad Agency as soon as possible.

At any career level, it is easier to exit an Advertising Agency and move to an in-house Marketing Department than vice-a-versa. But, the time spent in an Agency is always fruitful for one’s career in the Marketing field. It allows you to familiarize yourself with the Agency's processes inside and out and apply this experience in any future dealings with them. Agencies like to joke around that Ex-Agency staff makes for the worst most demanding clients.