As a result, becoming a media buyer usually requires a combination of education and experience, and it isn’t something you can jump into right away. Nonetheless, you can prepare for it through a combination of schooling and on-the-job training. Starting with a university degree in a field like communications, marketing, or general business is usually a good idea. Once you get started, you’ll have the foundational and formalized knowledge you’ll need. After that, you should look for work in the field. Some media companies actively recruit students, but in many cases, this part of the process will require a significant amount of effort on your part; you’ll need to conduct research on local employers and be assertive when approaching them. Getting started can be as simple as attending conferences and networking events. In general, you’ll need to be willing to start in lower-level positions like media assistant or consultant and work your way up to buyer over time.
Formal Education
There are a few exceptions, but in most cases, formal university training is required to work as a media buyer. Most people who start their studies with the intention of concentrating on media do so by taking courses designed specifically for work in the field, though this isn’t necessary. The most important thing for most employers is that new hires have a university degree in some field.
If your degree is in a subject that isn’t directly related to the industry, such as biology or English, you’ll have to be more inventive, but there are usually plenty of options. You could begin your career by working for a company that specializes in purchasing media related to school curricula or science classroom activities, or you could present yourself as someone with a keen sense of language and excellent writing skills — two essential skills in this field. It might also be a good idea to take a few more classes without necessarily pursuing a new degree. Many schools offer courses on topics like advertising principles, media planning, online and social marketing practices, and basic business accounting that can be taken in the evenings, on weekends, or even online. Any or all of these can help you improve your knowledge and gain a competitive advantage.
Experiential Learning
Getting some sort of on-the-job experience is usually a big part of the equation as well. Many colleges and universities keep networking databases of alumni and other employers looking to hire students and recent graduates, and this is a good place to start. Reaching out to local businesses can also generate leads. It is possible to gain experience in a variety of ways. Because the main goal is to demonstrate basic industry knowledge and proficiency, taking a part-time internship while in school can often be just as good as working at the entry level for a year or more.
Factors to Think About When It Comes to Knowledge
It’s important to remember that media buying, and media in general, is a vast field with numerous specialties. Even if you know what industry you want to work in, it’s a good idea to get a variety of experiences when you’re first starting out. This will increase your marketability and flexibility, especially if your interests change as your career progresses. Students and young professionals are frequently advised by experts to learn everything they can about print, radio, outdoor, out-of-home, non-traditional, and interactive media placements. When you eventually become a media buyer, being able to communicate across platforms will make you more valuable.
Networking and Conferences
Attending media-focused conferences and networking events, in addition to formal education and on-the-job training, is often one of the best ways to improve your portfolio and expertise. These types of events are especially beneficial for people who are trying to break into the media buying industry after working in other fields. Conferences are held on a fairly regular basis in many major cities, and they usually bring together many of the field’s leading voices to share stories, tips, and trends. Presentations on cutting-edge strategies are also common. Conferences are also a good place to meet people who might be able to assist you in finding work.
On-the-Job Promotion
It’s not uncommon for someone to be hired into a media buying position right out of school or from another industry. More often than not, the job is viewed as a step up from lower-level media positions. Purchasing assistants and interns are typically the best candidates for advancement, but people who work in other areas of the industry are frequently considered as well. As a result, it’s usually best to be realistic about how long it will take you to become a buyer and not to get discouraged if you seem to be stuck at the bottom of a company’s ladder. The best tips for promotion and advancement are usually to do everything you can to improve your knowledge and demonstrate your work ethic.