How to Start a Career in Advertising

If you have the right temperament, are creative and don't mind working hard on a deadline, an advertising career might be the right choice for you. Advertising agencies encourage consumers to buy the products or services their clients produce with a message that will get attention and increase sales. Follow these steps if you are considering an advertising career.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Earn a bachelor's degree. A solid liberal arts degree will prepare you for a career in advertising. Taking a few advertising and marketing courses is a good idea. Being a student of the world is important, too, as this allows you to create connections with people.
2. Explore the various opportunities that advertising agencies offer. There are account managers, creative people (copywriters and graphic artists), media people, and people involved in the research and planning. Read about these career opportunities and see where your talents and interests might fit in. (See Resources below.)
3. Speak to someone in advertising about a typical day. If you do a little networking, you are bound to find someone who currently works in advertising agencies. Ask about their career choice and what skills they need to do their jobs.
4. Intern at an agency. Your college might be able to set up an internship at a local agency, or you might have to find one on your own. Search for advertising agencies in your area, and go to their websites. You'll find out about their clients, their philosophy and any internship openings they might have. If nothing is listed, call the personnel department. Working as an intern will give you an opportunity to see if a career in advertising is for you as internships help you gain exposure to many aspects of the job.

Tips & Warnings

• Large companies often have marketing departments that act as in-house advertising agencies. In general, the hours are more reasonable (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and the pay is lower if you work in-house, but you will be creating advertising.
• You might want to specialize in a particular type of advertising, such as pharmaceutical advertising or business-to-business. You probably won't discover this until you are already working for an agency that has a specialty.
• Don't choose a career in advertising if you don't want to work nights and weekends. People who work for agencies work hard and play hard, and they generally don't leave the office at 5 p.m.

Who Can Help:

• Earn an Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix
• University of Phoenix, degree Programs to Fit Your Life.