Landing your first agency job right out of college is a rush. Suddenly, you’re surrounded by creative minds, tight deadlines, and more Slack messages than you thought possible. The learning curve can be steep—sometimes exhilarating, sometimes overwhelming. If you want to not just survive but thrive at an agency, here’s advice you won’t get in your welcome packet.
Say Yes, Then Figure It Out
Early days in any agency are full of new tasks and, let’s be honest, some things you don’t know how to do. That’s normal. Don’t panic. Say yes to projects, even if you’re not sure where to start. Research, ask questions, and rely on those big agency brains around you. Most managers value drive and hustle over perfection. The more you try, the faster you grow.
Be a Sponge—Soak It All In
Nobody expects you to know everything, but they do hope you’re hungry to learn. If you’re fresh to the world of an Atlanta SEO agency, for example, keep up with the latest SEO trends and tools. Read up on what clients care about and what language people inside the agency actually use. Take notes in every meeting, no matter how small. Little details become second nature if you’re always paying attention.
Communication is Your Secret Weapon
Things move fast at agencies. You’ll work on lots of projects at once, sometimes with the same people, sometimes with brand new faces. Keep your messages clear and don’t be afraid to follow up. If you’re swamped, say so—early and honestly. It’s way easier to get help with a full to-do list than to recover from a big missed deadline.
Build relationships, both in person and online. A quick coffee with someone from a different department can be more valuable than you think.
Handle Feedback Like a Pro (Even When It Stings)
You’ll get lots of feedback—good, bad, and sometimes downright confusing. Don’t take criticism personally; view it as a pathway to crushing your next task. If you’re not sure about a comment, ask for clarification. You’ll learn more from what went wrong than what went right—and feedback is the fastest way to jump ahead.
Self-Care: Don’t Burn Out
Agency life can be intense, but that doesn’t mean you have to be. Set office hours for yourself, take your lunch (even if it’s at your desk), and set your phone down when you clock out. Burnout hits hard unless you consciously protect your energy and your downtime.
Enjoy the Ride
Working at an agency straight out of college is equal parts chaos and career rocket fuel. You’ll mess up, and you’ll succeed—sometimes on the same day. When things get tough, remind yourself you’re learning fast, building skills that will set you up for whatever comes next. So say yes, stay curious, and keep your snack stash full. You’ve got this.
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