An Intern's Perspective: Big vs. Small Agencies

It has been one month now, and I have truly come to appreciate my internship and Frause for everything it has to offer. As I make the final moves before graduation, I have been doing my best to research different agencies and what I would enjoy most. After having several informational interviews over the last few months in the Portland area, and now having worked in an agency, I’ve noticed some of the differences that were discussed in my interviews with regard to big versus smaller agencies. Here is what I have noticed:

1. Smaller agencies can allow you to connect personally with more of the staff

A smaller agency allows you more opportunities to get to know the entire firm. You learn their strengths and weaknesses, and they learn yours. Just this week I had Bob Frause, the CEO, compliment me on my first blog post. With any intern experience you will become familiar and comfortable with the people around you, but at a bigger agency you may never spend time with the senior-level staff, which can be frustrating for some.

2. Smaller agencies can give you the chance to watch the development of a project or campaign

One complaint I have heard from others, is how working at a bigger agency sometimes won’t allow you to see the direct results of your work. At Frause, I will have the chance to watch a public relations campaign unfold from beginning to end. By the time I finish my internship, I will see the final result of our work, which is rewarding and looks great for my portfolio and a résumé.

3. A smaller agency can allow for more face time with a client

With bigger agencies, many interns may never have the opportunity to meet a client face-to-face. Since interning, I have met two different clients and sat in on two different client meetings. It’s been a great experience and I feel lucky to have the trust and respect of the Frause employees to give me this great opportunity.

That being said, no two internships or agencies are the same, and each person will have a unique experience, but hopefully this can help give a better understanding of how agencies can differ from each other.

More to come next week!

- Casey Colesworthy

New Intern with the Portland Office!

Well, it’s official. I am going into my third week at Frause and am becoming more attached to the agency and its team by the day.

My name is Casey Colesworthy and I have the pleasure of being the new intern for Frause in the Portland office. I am a senior at the University of Oregon and will graduate in June with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism with a focus in public relations. Originally from Sun Valley, Idaho, I lived in Eugene for four years before moving up to Portland three weeks ago. The change has been difficult, especially since I don’t know many people, but I am thrilled to be here, spread my wings and show my skills.

While there are many things I love about the public relations industry, one thing I enjoy most is how it’s a key component in everything we do. The industry’s unpredictable fast pace and reach in different areas of business are what keep me intrigued and coming back for more every day.

Before working with Frause, I was the public relations intern for the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art on the University of Oregon campus. I also worked for two years with a student-run public relations firm on campus called Allen Hall Public Relations doing work for local organizations and businesses in Eugene.

My hope for the next seven weeks is that I bond with the wonderful employees of Frause, while getting real professional experience working with an agency. I am excited to meet the Seattle office for the first time in a few weeks and hope you enjoy reading and following my journey during this exciting time. More to come soon!

-Casey Colesworthy