3 Things You Need to Do to Become a Manager in an Agency

If you are someone with excellent communication and leadership qualities and unsure about which career to pursue, then a job as an agency manager can be a good option for you. 

Agency managers work with their team members to supervise and coordinate all aspects of the agency they work for. They ensure that they set goals to effectively meet their company’s targets while upholding the relevant policies and guidelines and achieving maximum customer satisfaction. The job might require specialized knowledge depending on the type of agency you work for. 

If you’re interested in a career as an agency manager but unsure about the steps to follow, continue reading this article to learn about the basic steps you must take to become a successful agency manager. 

The Requirements of Agency Management

Here are the basic steps required to pursue this career:

1. Education and Skills

A bachelor’s degree in human resources or business management is essential for a career as an agency manager. You can also opt for a degree in business administration, public relations, or a related field; however, they must have relevant management courses to teach you the managerial skills required for the job.

A Master of Communication is preferred, along with well-developed interpersonal, time-management, multitasking, problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills. An agency manager should also be able to look at the big picture, think strategically, and plan forward, keeping the company’s goals in mind.

The skills necessary for the role can be developed and honed through various activities. While at university, you could join student societies, participate in an industry internship, or work part-time in supervisory roles. After graduation, you can hone these skills by enrolling in a short management skill course or seeking a mentor like a previous employer, a professor, a contact made through work, or even a family member.

2. Choose Your Industry

Agency managers can work in several industries, and you must take your time to research them properly before choosing which to pursue. In the advertising industry, they work with media planners and creative teams to oversee the development and execution of advertisement campaigns for their clients. Similarly, in the PR industry, they work with media and crisis communications professionals to develop effective public relations campaigns to promote their client’s brands and manage their public image. 

Other examples of industries agency managers could work in include the entertainment and marketing industries or a job in staffing, event planning, or an insurance agency. Researching the various types of industries agency managers could work in to find which one interests you the most or determine which industry your expertise and skills align with the most can help you decide which jobs to look for after you graduate. You can also change the industry you work in after starting your career.

3. Gain Experience

After earning the relevant degree and choosing the industry you’re interested in, you must look for internships and entry-level jobs to gain some experience. They will help you learn about the industry, the relevant management agency, and the daily processes involved. 

For example, if you want to join an insurance agency, you might first work as a claims adjuster or receptionist to learn about industry-specific job duties and key terms and operations. When you feel confident in your expertise and skills, you can start applying for jobs as an agency manager. You can look for open positions online on job search websites, or if you already have a job in the industry you want to work in, you can ask your supervisor about how you can advance to an agency manager position.

The Responsibilities of an Agency Manager

Some common responsibilities and duties of an agency manager include:

1. Strategic Planning and Goal Setting

Agency managers are responsible for conducting extensive market research and analyzing industry trends to devise and execute strategies that align with the agency’s overall vision and mission and drive strategic growth and expansion. They set achievable and measurable goals to implement their strategy and regularly track performance to identify the areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to ensure the agency is on track to achieve its targets.

2. Managing and Leading Staff

Agency managers are also responsible for identifying and recruiting skilled individuals to join the team. They conduct interviews, assess candidates’ qualifications, and make hiring decisions based on the agency’s needs and requirements. Additionally, they provide training and mentorship to new hires, ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their roles.

They effectively delegate tasks and oversee the performance of their team members to provide the necessary guidance and support to help them achieve their individual and collective goals. Plus, they work to foster a collaborative work environment and motivate team members to excel in their respective areas of expertise.

3. Client Relationship Management

Agency managers play a role in building and maintaining strong client relationships. They actively seek new clients, identify potential business opportunities, and develop compelling proposals showcasing the agency’s capabilities and expertise. After securing new clients, they work closely with them to understand their business objectives and expectations, develop customized solutions to address their concerns promptly, and ensure their needs are always met.

4. Operational and Financial Management

Agency management also entails supervising the agency’s day-to-day operations to ensure the employees complete projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. It involves monitoring workflows, identifying potential bottlenecks, and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency and productivity.

Additionally, agency managers oversee the agency’s financial performance, prepare budgets, track expenses, and ensure that the agency remains financially viable. They make informed financial decisions, allocate resources effectively, and implement strategies to maximize profitability.

Endnote

A job as an agency manager comes with various responsibilities, like setting goals for the agency, recruiting new staff and training them, overseeing the agency’s financial management, and building relationships with clients. That is why it is a good career option for people with excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in management, human resources, or a related field and professional experience in the industry of your choice. The required expertise can be gained through entry-level jobs in the relevant industry after graduation, with a job as an agency manager once you are confident in your knowledge and skills. 

You must adequately research the industry you want to work in to see which aligns with your interests, skills, and expertise the most, as it can help you give direction after graduation when looking for jobs.