“What is a typical day on the job like?” Chances are, if you’ve been a part of a career interview, this question has come up. And understandably, too – when starting a new role or joining a new team, a great understanding of the day-to-day is one of the best ways to get a feel for what your life will be like working at that company and on that team.
Truthfully, in a marketing agency, no two days are exactly alike, but here’s a glimpse into what a typical 9-5 day might look like:
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Kick Off the Day
It’s common to start the workday with a team meeting, where everyone will gather to discuss priorities, ongoing projects, current blockers, and any urgent needs. This meeting helps set the pace for the rest of the day. This is also a good time to check any new emails or messages that came in overnight.
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Knock Out Projects
After meeting with the team, it’s common for employees to dive into their specific projects discussed on the prior call. Projects will vary greatly depending on the employee’s role, which can include writing messaging, creating content, designing graphics, analyzing data, or strategizing campaigns.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Take a Lunch Break
Employees often – and should – take a break to recharge. While these breaks may look different depending on the culture of your company and your meeting schedule, many use this time to go for an off-site lunch, take a walk, work out, take care of a pet or child, meditate, or otherwise. Lunchtime is also an opportunity for informal chats, fostering a positive team culture.
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Communicate with Clients
Often, the afternoon of the workday is dedicated to client-related tasks, which can include attending client meetings, calls, or responding to emails. Clear communication is crucial, so working to ensure clients are informed and satisfied with the progress of their projects is a high priority for all teams.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Get Creative
It’s common to reserve the afternoon hours for creative needs like brainstorming sessions or design critiques. Collaboration and creativity are key in a marketing agency, and this is the time when the team comes together to bring creative concepts to life for clients, who often don’t have a creative team of their own.
4:00 PM – 4:45 PM: Reviews
The end of the workday is often used to review projects, timelines, and progress to ensure that all aspects of a project are on track for success.
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM: Wrap Up
Almost there! To close out the day, it’s common for marketers to check for any new emails or messages, tie up any loose ends, and scan their calendar to mentally prep for the next day.
Agency life provides a fun mix of creativity, strategy, communication. It’s a dynamic and fun environment that requires flexibility, adaptability, and a passion for client work.
