Public relations (PR) can seem exciting and cool. You might imagine working with big brands, planning events or seeing your work in the news. But if you join the wrong agency, you could end up feeling stressed, tired and unhappy. That’s why picking your first PR agency is very important.

Money Isn’t Everything

Getting paid well is nice, but when you’re just starting out, learning and growing matter more. The best first jobs help you build skills and gain experience. If you become good at your work, better pay and bigger jobs will come later.

What Should You Look For?

Here are three important things to think about before you choose an agency:

1. Training and Learning Opportunities

Don’t just look at an agency’s social media or fancy website. Find out whether they genuinely help new employees learn and grow. Do they have structured training programs or workshops? Will someone mentor you and guide you through your early days? If your company isn’t helping you learn new tools and technologies, you risk falling behind while others stay updated. It’s important to join an agency that invests in proper training so you can keep up with industry trends and stay on the same level as your peers, instead of missing out on essential skills. An agency that cares about training shows it wants you to succeed, not just get the work done.

2. Variety of Clients and Industry Experience

Think about what kind of work excites you. Do you like technology, healthcare, fashion, or helping non-profits? Look closely at the agency’s clients and the industries they serve. It’s best if your first job lets you work with different types of clients. This variety helps you learn many skills, understand how different industries work and find out what you enjoy most. Having this broad experience early on will help you choose your path in PR later.

3. A Supportive and Positive Work Culture

This might be the most important part. A good work culture means people work well together, leaders support and teach you and you feel comfortable asking questions. When your team celebrates successes and helps each other during challenges, your job becomes much more enjoyable. A positive environment makes it easier to learn and grow, even when the work gets tough.

In Short

Your first PR job is the start of your career. Choose a place where you can learn, try new things and work with people who support you. This will help you build a strong, happy career in PR.

Before you say yes to a job, look past the fancy office and big promises. Make sure it’s the right place for you. Your future self will be glad you did.

Ankit Chavan, Publicist