I have worked at both an agency and a corporation. What are the differences? What do I like?
My first position as a Graphic Designer was at an agency called Hunsberger-Stap. I was lucky enough to find a job that supported me while I finished my degree and offered me a full-time position once I had graduated. And this is where my journey after college began.
Since an agency was my first job I had nothing to compare it to. But it was awesome! The company was located downtown Grand Rapids, MI. I had a free parking pass, one co-worker, two bosses and casual dress code. Being right out of college I was given more responsibilities than I would have thought. The company being so small worked to my benefit. I learned so much since I had to handle all my communication with clients/vendors, project management and deadlines.
Now, at Knape & Vogt, I am a Digital Content Graphic Designer. My position here has grown and I have taken on more responsibilities as I gain more experience. I am still in Grand Rapids but now on the outside of downtown. The dress code has changed a bit to more business casual, no jeans. In the corporation I have a lot more co-workers! And now I have people who aid in vendor communication with me. There are project managers as well depending on the depth of the project. While that seems to make the job easier, the deadlines seem to be harder to meet and more challenging.
Agency design projects are similar to corporates jobs most the time. There are always brochures to create or websites to build that are for a specific brand, product or service offered. Even tradeshow design I have worked on at both types of companies. A huge difference is always working within the same brand standards. At Knape & Vogt it's always the same typeface and PMS colors. While at the agency you could work on multiple brands at once.
Another major difference is the type of projects. At Hunsberger-Stap we had more creative jobs, like logo design for instance. We got to research and brainstorm ideas to create a brand for a company starting with the identity. Within Knape & Vogt I do not get many opportunities to create logos or that type of job. It's not that it is not creative, it is, but not the same way.
The process
The corporate workplace has a very strict process for how all the departments work together. You cannot spend a dime without someone else needing to approve it, get an estimate, write a requisition or send a PO. While I understand the process it can be a time suck. The agency was much more flexible. It was easy apply purchases towards a job when appropriate.
A major part of the process at an agency is time keeping. Time is money! I had to be accountable for every minute spent on every project I worked on every day. Going corporate changes everything. Now you work with your clients, not for your clients. You are not counting every minute any more. Nice change.
Like many things in life there are ups and downs, your career is not much different. Try new things. Take chances. Be happy in your life and create a healthy balance between work and play.
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