Getting started in an advertising career you will most likely begining with an entry level position. There are entry level advertising positions available in each area of advertising.
In the creative department typically junior copywriters and art directors; also called assistants are at an entry level position. Assistants are in charge of proofreading, and editing ads as well as working on rough layouts. In order to get your foot in the door and obtain a position as an assistant you must have a book of your work, or also know as a portfolio that displays your ability. Experience and education are also important.
In the Media department the assistant planner is an entry level position mainly doing the research on which medium of advertising would best suit the client? They must research the potential audience so they can reach them through the advertising campaign successfully. Assistant planners must have excellent researching skills, computer skill and should not be afraid of math. The assistant buyer is also an entry level position as with the assistant planning position the assistant buyers do a fair amount of number crunching. This is a good time to familiarize yourself with the buying process and the different mediums of advertising, for someday you will be directly involved in the buying process. In order to move up the ladder to the buyers’ position you must first fine tune your negotiating skills.
In the research department the junior project director is the entry level position available to researchers. These researchers gather as much data possible and perform calculations based on that research. They may also be involved in tracking focus groups analyzing data collected and tracking project schedules.
In advertising sales entry level positions are available typically on a commission basis only. Very seldom do employers offer a guaranteed salary to the candidates with no sales experience. Once you are able to prove yourself a salary plus commission may come.
