Small Agency Doesn’t Mean Small Experience

Aug. 21, 2018

Abby White,
Account Management Intern

Abby White, Account Management Intern

Share This Post

⟵ Back to Blog

Small Agency Doesn’t Mean Small Experience

Like many undergrads searching for internships, I was unsure of what path to take. I found myself drawn to glamorous agencies in the city that boasted recently designed, state-of-the-art office spaces and perks such as company cafés. And while there is nothing wrong with good food and great architecture, I had no real knowledge of the programs I was applying to. As I dug deeper and began identifying smaller agencies, I discovered King Fish. After speaking with our CEO and learning about everything from the day-to-day tasks to long-term overarching goals, I realized I had found a unique learning environment where I could gain real, tangible skills and experience that would push my knowledge to the next level.

A small agency doesn’t mean a small client list. As an intern, my main goal has been to maximize my industry knowledge in just a short time. Working with a wide range of clients has yielded a variety of projects with no two being alike. From Nuance AI to QOL Medical, my project list was vastly diverse. Each project came with a new set of client goals, giving me exposure to numerous fields that I will continue to encounter throughout my career. The blend of B2B and B2C marketing, as well as clients from all different industries has allowed me to view and understand the media marketing mix through a variety of lenses.

I wanted to understand the perspectives of creatives, strategists, copywriters and anyone else I may come in contact with. By doing so, I felt that I’d have a better understanding of my own role and how it plays into the bigger picture. Given the platform at a small agency, I immediately began to accomplish this goal. Working closely with each team member has been one of the highlights of my experience. These interactions allowed me to better understand the role of each team member and how their approach to projects is related to (and differs from) one another.

Although it can be intimidating, interning at a small agency makes it impossible to go unnoticed. You carry your weight like everyone else on the team. Taking a first stab at a competitive analysis, drafting a social media strategy and a number of other tasks will be left to you and often times you’ll be expected to present them. This is a great opportunity for feedback on writing, research and presenting skills and is valuable preparation for a full-time job. That being said, if you’re unsure about the best approach to handling a project, your team is happy to guide you in the right direction. This encouragement leads to a stronger team overall and better insights for you in particular. Questions are welcome and it is easier to ask them in a small, laid-back environment.

No interviewer will ask about the bells and whistles at your undergrad internship or whether you had sparkling water on tap (we’re perfectly happy with our flat water). They’ll ask about the skills you learned and the experience you gained and how those set you apart. No two agencies are alike and the unique nature of King Fish was the formula I needed to push myself professionally. And it’s not all work and no play; we’re known for throwing a killer Waffle Wednesday or Takeout Tuesday! Giving the small agency a chance has me thankful I took my internship search outside the city and over to King Fish.