Advertising Executive

Job Description:

Advertising executives provide the link between an advertising agency and its clients.

Job Category:
Marketing & Advertising
See Marketing & Advertising jobs

What you will do:

You’ll work for an agency that deals with advertising media like:

  • digital
  • social media
  • mobile marketing
  • direct marketing

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

  • meeting clients to discuss their needs
  • working with account planners
  • coming up with campaigns that meet the client’s needs and budget
  • presenting campaign ideas and costs to clients
  • briefing the creative team that produces the words and artwork
  • checking and reporting on the campaign’s progress
  • keeping in contact with the client at all stages of the campaign
  • managing the account’s budget and invoicing the client
  • trying to win new business for the agency

You’ll usually handle about 3 or 4 accounts at the same time.

Skills:

You’ll need:

  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As well as:

  • the ability to sell products and services
  • customer service skills
  • persistence and determination
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
  • persuading and negotiating skills
  • the ability to use your initiative (drive)
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • creativity
  • teamwork skills
Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

There are no set requirements, but you’ll usually need a degree. Relevant degrees include:

  • advertising
  • marketing
  • statistics or operational research
  • communication and media studies
  • business or management
  • psychology

You’ll also need an interest in advertising, excellent communication skills and, quite often, a portfolio.

Experience is highly valued by employers. You could try:

  • work experience placements
  • internships
  • temporary employment

You may be able to start in a more junior position like administrator, and work your way up as your experience grows.

You could get into this job through an apprenticeship.

Working Hours and Environment:

You’ll usually work from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Your hours may be longer when you have deadlines to meet.

You’ll be based in an office, but you may also travel to meet clients.

Career Path & Progression:

With experience, you could progress to account manager, become an agency director, or set up your own agency.

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