A career in advertising has huge prospects in recent times with numerous brands and services establishing themselves. There are many divisions in advertising which one could opt for. One could choose also to be in the client servicing department if you are keen on marketing. The basic work of a client servicing executive is acting as the connecting medium between the client and agency. A media planner is one who plans the exposure of a particular ad campaign in television, outdoor, press and magazine, radio, or e-media. One can be a part of this creative team.
Go for copy writing if you have a knack for writing, choose art direction and visualization if you are good at design, or you can also choose graphic designing or layout. Production, television and films could be the next choice for those entering ad agencies which are into ad film production. Photography is good to go into for professional photographers. Market research, event management, promotion, and direct marketing are additional choices one has when choosing advertising as a career.
The basic requirement to pursue a career in advertising depends on the department one opts for. One can enter client servicing with a bachelors degree in any field. However, a management degree in business administration (MBA) would help. Good knowledge of accounts and finance would be an added advantage. For those choosing to enter the media planning department, a degree in journalism, preferably masters along with a bachelor's degree would help. For those entering the creative department, a degree in designing, arts, and communication would be helpful. A degree in sales promotion and public relations would also be helpful.
There are a number of advertising courses one could enroll in before pursuing a career in advertising. These advertising courses would help you understand how an advertising agency works, and also decide the best department to get into. A bachelor's degree in any field is sufficient to enter a post graduate course in advertising management with a minimum of 50% marks.
Job prospects in the field of advertising are vast globally. Pursuing a career in advertising can land you with a job in an advertising agency, market research firm, radio, press, or television or in the in-house advertising departments of business establishments. If none of these apply, one can also be a freelancer in the field of advertising. To apply for a job in advertising, one needs to list the top advertising agencies and then send in an application to them. If one is looking to join the creative team, it's best to create a portfolio of creative work whether it is ad campaigns, designing, or photography and submit it with the application and other details of experience if any.
Creative CV's are also great in helping one land up with a job in advertising. Samples of creative CV's are readily available online. One can also register with the job consultants, many of whom are recruited by advertising agencies for providing them with professionals, to help you get yourself a job in an advertising agency. For students and new graduates it is best to join an advertising agency as a summer trainee or as a management trainee. Who knows, if you manage to prove yourself during your trainee period and show potential you may be absorbed into the agency itself.
The remuneration offered by advertising agencies worldwide is quite attractive. Fresh graduates entering as management trainees could earn anything from $500 to $800 a week. Those experienced and with a professional degree can earn from $5000 to $10000 a week. While those who have climbed the ladder of success as a CEO or Vice President can earn up to $50,000 and above a week.
A career in advertising may look glamorous but also involves a lot of hard work and dedication if one is really looking for success and fame. There are many reward points for achievers which also include awards and recognitions at an international level. It is one of the most successful and interesting career prospects to pursue in recent times, mostly due to the vast available opportunities.
