Start with a good education to prepare for a career in advertising. A bachelor’s degree is required for many entry-level advertising jobs. It’s also a good idea to include accounting, creative design, marketing, psychology, and statistics coursework in your education.
While obtaining a good advertising education is a good start, it will not ensure your success in finding work or excelling in an advertising career. Instead, you’ll need more than a good college education to prepare yourself. Getting a relevant internship is one way to get a head start on your advertising career. Many advertising agencies, in fact, find candidates who have completed advertising internships far more appealing than those who have not.
A bachelor’s degree may not be required if you plan to start your advertising career in the creative department of an advertising firm. Assistant art directors with two-year degrees from art or design schools are in high demand. Assistant copywriters, in general, are not required to have a degree. Obtaining one, on the other hand, will not hurt your chances of landing a job and may even help you develop the skills required for a career in advertising. It’s also worth noting that some ad agencies may require additional education.
As you prepare for a career in advertising, think about your interpersonal skills. Excellent communication skills, a good deal of common sense, the ability to solve problems, and a healthy dose of creativity are typically required for advertising jobs. Foreign language skills are also necessary if you want to pursue a career in advertising abroad. Foreign language skills are often considered a plus by employers, regardless of whether you choose to work abroad.
You should also brush up on your job-market knowledge as part of your preparation for a career in advertising. To find out where the majority of advertising jobs are located, conduct an Internet search. For example, in the United States, Chicago and New York have the highest concentration of advertising firms and jobs, followed by other major cities. With this knowledge, you might be able to sniff out less competitive advertising job markets, allowing you to get your foot in the door in a state where competition isn’t as fierce.
Finally, but certainly not least, remember to network. Make the most of every opportunity to meet people who are already working in your field. Such people may be able to refer you to a potential employer or provide you with advice on how to find the ideal job. Local advertising clubs, seminars, and workshops are excellent places to meet and network with others in the industry.