Agency life: The real deal … and why I love it
Remi Wright, Account Executive
When I first stepped into agency life at Rowland, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I’d just graduated with a dual degree in Business and Communications, majoring in Marketing and PR, and was ready to soak up every opportunity the industry had to offer. Fast forward to now, and I’m lucky enough to work with an incredible team on some of the biggest client names across the not-for-profit, energy, mining, retail, and education sectors, to name a few.
But let’s be real — agency life isn’t all coffee-fuelled brainstorms, glamorous shoots, and exciting campaign launches. It’s fast-paced, demanding, and (at times) downright exhausting. That said, for someone who’s creative, adaptable organised, and thrives under pressure, it can be one of the most rewarding ways to kickstart your career.
- You grow quickly — because you have to
I often joke that some days eight hours feels like eight minutes when you’re juggling eight different projects. One minute you’re knee-deep in a lengthy sustainability report, the next you’re pitching a story to media, developing a stakeholder engagement strategy, or in the middle of a campaign brainstorm. Then suddenly, you’re front and centre being briefed on a breaking issue — with a mission to protect your client’s reputation before things spiral. The pace is intense, but it means you’re always learning. You don’t just build communication skills — you master time management, problem solving, and the fine art of client relationships.
- You figure out what you actually enjoy
One of the best parts of working in a full-service agency like Rowland is being exposed to a huge variety of industries. I always assumed I’d lean into retail (blame my love for shopping and food), but I’ve found myself really energised by the complexity of mining and energy. Communicating technical, safety, or ESG messages to broad and varied audiences isn’t easy — but it’s incredibly powerful when done well.
- You become a communication chameleon
Every day I speak with people from different industries, backgrounds, and seniority levels — via email, phone, meetings or face-to-face. Agency life teaches you how to read the room, shift your tone, and build relationships fast. Whether you’re writing a LinkedIn post for a CEO, pitching a story to a journalist, or drafting a crisis communication strategy for a high-stress situation, you learn how to be persuasive and professional without losing your authenticity.
- You’re surrounded by clever, creative people
Rowland is packed with smart thinkers — from strategists and creatives to media and digital specialists. It’s energising to be in a workplace where ideas are valued, and collaboration is the norm. Even on hectic days, there’s always someone to bounce ideas off (or grab a coffee with between deadlines).
- You get to do some pretty cool stuff
While 80% of a junior consultant’s job might be writing media releases or chasing timelines and approvals, the other 20%? That’s where the magic happens — campaign launches, creative content development, brainstorms and bold ideas. And those moments make the hustle worth it.
So, what’s the catch?
Agency life isn’t for everyone. The days are sometimes long. The deadlines come fast. You’ll juggle a million things at once while keeping calm, client-facing, and caffeinated. But if you’re driven, thrive on variety, live by your calendar (guilty), and love a challenge — you just might love it here too.
For me, structure brings calm to the chaos. Maybe it’s my military background talking, but colour-coded to-do lists, detailed planners, and synced calendars keep me grounded in the whirlwind — in both my professional and personal life.
Agency life throws you in the deep end — but with the right people around you, you’ll learn to swim fast. And if you’re lucky, like I am, you’ll do it surrounded by passionate, brilliant people who make you better every single day.
Does this sound up your alley?
We’re always on the lookout for exceptional talent, so please get in touch if you’re interested in joining the Rowland team. Read more about who we are and what makes us ‘Rowland’ here: Who we are – Rowland