The Journey into Agency Life - Our Story

Curious about breaking into marketing? At our agency, we believe success comes from more than just developing skills – it’s shaped by the unique experiences and diverse backgrounds of our team. From degrees in marketing to hands-on apprenticeships, our journeys into agency life have been as varied as the industry itself.

What are the pros of agency life?

Navigating the waters of in-house and agency marketing reveals distinct pros and cons. While the in-house marketer embraces a jack-of-all-trades role, overseeing every aspect of marketing for a business, steering you away from delving deep into one speciality. For some marketers, this is their preferred route as they get to enjoy and experience all aspects of marketing. Agency life offers a dynamic and multifaceted experience. Here at Next Chapter, we thrive on this dynamism, and our team members revel in the unique advantages it brings.  

Flexibility without Boundaries: In contrast to the structured routine of in-house positions, agency life embraces adaptability. Our team at Next Chapter revels in the freedom to navigate through a variety of projects and clients, constantly going above and beyond to meet diverse client needs. This flexibility not only keeps the work exciting but also nurtures a culture of continuous learning and evolution.

Exposure to a diverse range of Projects: Agency life is a landscape of all projects, each presenting a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This exposure not only fuels creativity but also broadens perspectives, fostering a well-rounded skill set that is invaluable in the constant evolution of the digital marketing industry.

Skill Development: At Next Chapter, we believe in the power of accelerated growth. Agency life is a place where skills are honed at an unprecedented pace. The dynamic nature of projects, coupled with the collaborative spirit of our team, propels our members into a continuous cycle of improvement. It’s not just a job; it’s a journey of skill development, a fast track to becoming a seasoned marketing professional. Working amongst experts in specific digital fields also help to enhance skills and knowledge across all the team members.

How we got here – our agency journey  

Daniel’s journey  

Let’s dive into the story of Daniel Swepson, our Co-Founder & Marketing Director at Next Chapter. Daniel’s career in the digital world wasn’t something he initially sought out. Starting his career in PR, he was gradually steered towards digital marketing as his agency’s clients increasingly demanded a digital presence. This shift, though unexpected, turned out to be the right move, opening new avenues for Daniel’s career.

The creation of Next Chapter is closely tied to Daniel’s own journey. A casual LinkedIn message from Charlie sparked a conversation that would lead to the birth of the agency. Drawn by the prospect of doing something innovative, they joined forces, and together they launched Next Chapter – setting out to make their unique mark in the digital marketing industry.

 Learn more about Daniel’s journey into marketing.

Aoife’s journey  

Meet Aoife, our Digital Marketing Executive at Next Chapter. From leaving school, Aoife knew that digital marketing was her calling. Her career began as an in-house Marketing Apprentice, a role that provided her with valuable experience and a solid foundation. However, her curiosity and ambition led her to explore the unique opportunities that only an agency could offer.

Despite the fewer openings typically available in agency settings, Aoife was determined to take this route. Today, she’s a vital part of our team at Next Chapter, bringing creativity, strategy, and a well-rounded perspective from her experience. Her specialties now lie in social media and paid advertising.

Learn more about Aoife’s journey into marketing. 

Jack’s journey  

Our Senior SEO and Content Marketing Manager, Jack, began his professional journey in marketing after studying computer science at the University of Kent. Despite his academic background, Jack soon realised that his true passion lay not in programming, but in the digital marketing landscape. His career initially took him through roles in HR and systems management within a charitable organisation, where he developed a close connection with the internal marketing team and discovered his genuine interest in this field.

Seizing an opportunity when it arose, Jack transitioned into marketing, starting as a Website Content Coordinator. Through his dedication and expertise, he advanced to roles such as Digital Content Coordinator, Digital and Website Executive, and eventually ascended to his current position as Senior Content Marketing Manager and SEO Specialist at Next Chapter. His journey reflects a clear trajectory of growth and specialisation, showcasing his commitment and proficiency in the evolving domain of digital marketing.  

Learn more about Jack’s journey into marketing 

Pippa’s journey  

Our Senior Graphic Designer, Pippa, has always had a passion for creativity, and her journey from childhood artistry has transitioned into becoming a key player in our team. Her early passion for art evolved into a love for design during her time at Leeds Art College, leading her to a degree in Design and Art Direction. She has always known she has wanted to be in a design role, and knew working in an agency would suit her skillset and desire for varied projects perfectly.

Her work at Next Chapter reflects her dedication to creativity, from her insatiable appetite for learning new illustration styles, to her innovative approach. Pippa’s dynamic creativity and natural talent for design continue to shape the future of our projects.

Learn more about Pippa’s journey into marketing 

Rhea’s journey  

Meet Rhea, our account manager at Next Chapter. Rhea’s plan wasn’t initially to work in marketing. Whilst completing her degree in finance and investment management, during her final year at university, she completed a consultancy project for a small business, where she discovered her passion for marketing and client collaboration. 

After returning from a year-long trip in 2021, she was approached by a recruiter to land her first digital marketing role as an Account Executive. From here she progressed into a Junior Account Manager role and worked her way up the ranks to her current position as Account Manager. Her dedication to building strong client relationships and staying organisedare key to her success in this role.

Learn more about Rhea’s journey into marketing. 

  Hannah’s journey  

Our newest addition to the team is Hannah – our SEO and Content Marketing Assistant. Hannah’s journey into marketing began in an unexpected way. With a degree in philosophy, her career path wasn’t clearly defined. However, when her boyfriend launched his own company, Hannah took on the challenge of managing all the marketing efforts. This experience ignited her passion for the field and inspired her to leave the world of recruitment to pursue a career in marketing. 

Determined to learn more, she immersed herself in online courses and eventually secured an internship with Next Chapter, marking the start of her professional journey in marketing. From here, she was offered a full-time position and is continuing to learn all about the world of digital marketing. 

Learn more about Hannah’s journey into marketing. 

Our top tips for marketers wanting to start their agency career

Tip 1: Gain Experience

An internship position is a great way to explore the field without fully committing to the career path – if you find it’s for you, try applying for entry-level jobs with this experience under your belt – or consider furthering your education with an apprenticeship or degree to further build your knowledge and confidence in the field.  

Tip 2: Find your niche

Identify a niche within marketing that excites you – like SEO or content creation. You might not get this right on the first try, but having a clear passion can make you more appealing to employers hiring for specific roles.

Tip 3: Highlight your strengths

Tailor your CV to highlight your creative skills and relevant experience. Make sure it reflects the type of role you are targeting, emphasising projects or accomplishments that demonstrate your suitability further.

Tip 4: Say yes to everything

Once you have your foot in the door, show enthusiasm for the field. Whether it’s in an internship or an entry-level job – ask to sit in on meetings, take on tasks, ask questions – throw yourself in the deep end, it’s how you learn! 

Next Chapter, developing our diverse team  

One of the key factors that contributes to the success of Next Chapter is the pride we have in fostering a team that reflects the rich diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Our belief is simple: a team with varied origins brings forth a vast array of ideas, creating an environment where innovation thrives.  

Our team members, hailing from diverse backgrounds, come together to form a cohesive unit. This collaborative culture not only propels project success but also enriches the working experience, making Next Chapter a place where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.  

At Next Chapter, we specialise in crafting marketing strategies that drive results. Get in touch to explore how we can collaborate and propel your strategy efforts to new heights.