Manchester’s reputation as a centre of tech excellence is due, in no small part, to the impressive number of agencies that are based here.
Many of Manchester’s top digital and tech talent have started their career in an agency.
If you're thinking about doing the same or have always wanted to know what it is like to work in an agency, you’re in luck as our series, Agency Life, will take the time to catch up with people currently working in a Manchester-based agency to find out, what agency life is really like.
This week is the turn of Carl Phillips of Square Owl.
Could you tell us your job title, and what it is that you do on a day-to-day basis?
I am a Senior Digital Consultant and Head of Special Projects at Square Owl.
My day normally starts on the tram to work, I catch up on the latest tech news and read through my emails.
Every day is different in the office, but it usually starts with a strong coffee, catching up with the team and checking the performance of our ongoing campaigns to make sure they are still moving in the right direction.
You can find me working on a myriad of different work, from websites to app builds, conversion rate optimisation strategies to graphics and print materials for clients.
I create a lot of prototypes for designers and developers and I like to put some good music on and get in the zone to do so.
What are the best parts about working at an agency?
There are so many great points about working in an agency. It sounds like a cliché but for me it’s the team I work with and our clients.
You often work long hours in an agency so having a team and clients you have good relationships with is really important, they are like my second family.
Aside from the people the work is diverse, fast paced and varied. We get to really get under the hood of a client which makes it really rewarding when you see a campaign or improvements making a real difference for a client.
What parts can be challenging and how do you overcome them?
Managing a lot of projects at once can be quiet challenging, made easier by a great business model in which we use trusted expert freelancers to complete work. This means we can pass on the savings to our clients for a higher standard of work but managing a lot of people in silo can have its difficulties.
Organisation is the only way to really keep on top of multiple projects and making sure you know exactly what, when and who needs to do what and by when to meet a deadline, is essential.
In what ways has working at an agency benefited your career?
I wouldn’t have the fulfilling career I do if I had started my career in-house. Working in an agency such as Square Owl has introduced me to so many diverse projects meaning you can really build and enhance your knowledge at a fast pace.
It has also put in me front of some great northern business leaders and helped me build some fantastic connections.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about starting a career at an agency?
Read as much as you can, read every day, read everything. You will find your knowledge of digital will come a long way very fast.
Start with the basics Google Analytics. I think this should be mandatory for anyone in digital or a marketing role.
On top of this be curious, by always looking for the best solution to a project and never be scared to ask questions!
If you would like your agency staff to feature in Agency Life, contact thom@manchesterdigital.com
