Advertising sales agents also called account executives. Account executives typically sell or solicit advertising for the industry mediums, which include newspaper, periodicals, TV, radio, internet, and outdoor advertising.
To become and advertising account executive for a large company it is sometimes required to have a college degree. Large companies prefer a candidate with a college degree over one without a college degree because account executives need to meet with clientele regularly and must posses excellent communication skills and in-depth knowledge of the business. Courses in marketing, communication, business and advertising are very advantageous to becoming an account executive. They teach you the necessities of the industry. Marketing courses will teach you the importance of a successful campaign and the basics on how to achieve such a campaign. Communication skills are so important in successfully breaking into this career for it is your communication skills you will rely on in making the sales to potential clients later. Learning of the advertising industry is important for you to know the roots of the business, where it has been and where it is going. Anyone entering this business should know the basics of how to run a business in today’s business world. Currently in the advertising sales field approximately only 20% of current account executives only have a high school education. In order for you to be competing with the remaining 80% of the industries sales executives it is wise to obtain an education in the field.
After a college education the remaining amount of training done for a position like this one, is on the job training typically done by the sales manager at the firm. You will sell under a sales manager so they can supervise your interaction with your clientele in order to gauge your performance.
