How to Become a Advertising
Since Advertising careers are highly competitive it is useful to complete more than just your Advertising degree. Internships, usually unpaid, are great experience and give you the industry knowledge that you need to break into the field. After completing the degree and internship the skill set you acquire is what will most likely land you a position in the Advertising industry.
People skills are an important element since working with clients on a consistent basis is often the case. Clients can be demanding and difficult to work with at times so knowing how to deal with them in these situations will give you a leg up. Being persuasive and flexible are good traits to have since giving presentations are usually part of the job description. Copywriting skills are important as well, however, creativity is the key to success in a demanding industry where everyone is competing for the next best ad.
Although you will most likely have to start out at an entry level position, there are many different types of advertising jobs.
- Advertising Media Planners are responsible for the choices made on the delivery of the ad campaign. Whether the campaign is advertised on TV, radio, newspaper or magazine, they help make the decision on how the message should be delivered to the consumer.
- Media Traffic Personnel are in charge of purchasing the time and space after they consider the advantages and disadvantages of the various types of media that will most effectively deliver the campaign. They are very informed on the different types of media and the demographics they reach.
- Copywriters, illustrators and creative individuals are in charge of the writing and illustrating of the advertisement. Their tasks include drawing storyboards, writing copy, designing headlines and body copy and taking part in the formation of the advertisement.
- Production Managers make sure that the advertisement is finished successfully. They are in charge of the physical ad and work with the exterior advertising producers. Production Managers are usually employed in house or are often contracted out from a production house.
- Directors of Advertising oversee everything with the exception of sales. They manage the planning, production, creating and the budgeting of campaigns.
- Account Executives manage the entire account. They are responsible for communicating the customer’s needs to the rest of the agency. They also help organize the creation, planning, implementing and producing of the advertising campaign.
How Much Does a Advertising Make - Advertising Salaries
Advertising salaries vary by experience and job…an advertiser with 1-4 years experience can expect a salary of $35,188 annually.