Does Size Matter?

With some recent conversations I've had with PR practitioners, I'm becoming more and more confused as to which route I should take in my own career in the crazy world of public relations. My experience so far has been mainly been with a big agency and now on the client side. Here is the information I have gathered so far.

With a large agency, you will be able to learn within an account team and have access to a large network of resources. Large agencies have the flexibility to allow you time to learn from your superiors. However, the hierarchy and structure of a large agency is an ever-present force that will determine the work you do on a daily basis. You may not have the ability to learn as much as you'd like to in some cases. On the other hand, large agencies mean larger clients which always sound good when name-dropping for your next job...or trying to pick up chicks. Try it.

In a smaller agency, you will have the opportunity to take on several tasks or "wear many hats" as one professional told me. At the same time, smaller agencies have smaller staffs and therefore need you to hit the ground running. It's harder for a seasoned PR professional to find time to train a novice PR person. Some smaller agencies have big clients but they are usually more limited with one big client that takes up the majority of their time.

What it comes down to is what works for you. Talking with those working in both environments and comparing their experiences is the best thing you can do. I have certain public relations practitioners that I've met in the field who I can see myself being in 5 years. In order to do that, I've questioned and researched how they got to where they are today constantly. Remember you can never make a mistake when trying to gain experience.

Knowing what you don't want is just as important as knowing what you do want.