Pros
I worked with the best of the best here. My co-workers were incredibly talented, driven go-getters. I gained some valuable experience doing media relations and pitching stories on a national platform. When I left the organization, I was a better communications consultant and became more detail-oriented in everything I produced. This place was very organized, which I liked. Great learning experience as far as being exposed to the daily operations of an agency, doing media relations, writing bylined articles and building relationships with editors thousands of miles away. Loved the free coffee and food in the cafe. Free parking.
Cons
My supervisor was extremely abrasive and failed to provide me with constructive feedback to help me improve. In fact, I was told I should never be a writer, I don't have what it takes to succeed and "my skin isn't thick enough for the industry." Prior to joining the agency, I had very little media relations experience and my supervisor wasn't supportive/helpful when I came with questions. Over time, things got worse, and most days, I felt like I was walking on eggshells. I once got yelled at for sending an approved article to an editor at 8 p.m. before his deadline, and was later told we're only supposed to send emails to clients between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Not sure why that wasn't communicated earlier on. A weight lifted off my shoulders when I left the agency, and I've been reluctant to join another one since this experience. Also, the medical and dental benefits were not very good.