5 major differences between agency and in-house PR
The author spent time working at PR agencies and in the communications departments at organizations. He explains what sets the two roles apart.
I juggled clients and prepped for pitch meetings as well as managed PR vendors for specific campaigns and those on retainer. I spent years learning clients’ stories and later captured news on-site with my trusty camera and note pad.
Looking back at when I made the shift away from the agency side in 2006, I wish someone had explained how things would stay the same yet change so dramatically. In the hopes that I may be able to provide some advice to those making a similar leap I took this opportunity to lay out what I found once I went in-house.
Experiencing stories
SWOT analysis, competitive research, company tours, and so forth. None of these things can take the place of living and breathing an organization every day.
When working at an agency I juggled an average of six clients, all with different stories and needs. I logged my time, adhered to weekly call sheets, and strove to meet agreed upon deliverables. When I made the switch to in-house communications my perception of PR changed.
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