Written by Rhianna Grainger
Imagine stepping into a brand new world. A world of mad ideas, bold designs, and free thinking. Think Alice in Wonderland, only with fewer talking rabbits and no Cheshire cats! I have become a ’grown up’ and entered the world of work. I have entered agency land.
Working in a design agency straight out of university is like a mixtape of emotions playing in your head, with the tracks ranging from "Exciting Jitters" to "Daunting Disco". University equips you with valuable knowledge and skills, but nothing can prepare you for the exhilarating whirlwind of real-world experience which becomes an unparalleled teacher!
The first two weeks of agency life has opened my eyes to the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. I’ve been navigating uncharted territory in discovering the agency's unique operations and culture. I have dived into three entirely different projects, and that is the joys of working in an agency - you are never restricted to one client, you have variety in your working day, and you are constantly exploring the new. Juggling multiple projects has been a bit like a circus act, but is a crucial part of working in an agency, so I appreciate being somewhat thrown in the deep end in this aspect.
On reflection, the agency is more than a workplace; it's a group of like-minded individuals who share your passion. I’ve snagged myself a group of invaluable mentors who have offered nothing but encouragement and advice to make my first two weeks a smooth one.
Having begun university post 2020 lockdown, I am all too familiar with studying and working from home. The agency embraces hybrid working and the team has done an amazing job making sure I’m not kept in the dark. With daily huddles and team meetings I feel part of the crew both in and out of the office.
The highlight of my first two weeks has been getting to know the team’s current projects and being introduced to the design rationale and outcomes that follow. It is interesting to observe their take on a project from an outsider's angle, and has not only allowed me to gain knowledge about their way of thinking, working and producing artwork, but I have also been able to bring a different viewpoint to the table and jump into the creative chaos with both feet!
Two weeks have flown by and I have already learnt a lot. If I were to pass on some wise words to those starting in the creative industry I would say:
- There’s no such thing as a “bad” question - ask away like a curious kid!
- Give yourself time to get used to things, learn to adapt to a new environment, but don’t be hard on yourself if this doesn’t click straight away.
- You were chosen for this role for a reason, so be confident in yourself and your abilities.
After three years at university I cannot wait for the years to come in agency land. If the first two weeks are anything to go by, I know I am going to love it!
