Advertising executives, also known as ad execs, are typically mid-level managers in advertising firms and departments. Becoming an advertising executive, or ad exec, is a time-consuming process. Typically, aspiring advertising agents must start as advertising specialists or associates and work their way up to executive or senior management positions. An advertising career usually progresses with a marketing or sales background, as well as an energetic personality, a drive for success, and tenacity for creative problem solving.
The majority of advertising executives began their careers as interns or low-level account specialists at advertising agencies or firms. Working with clients, building portfolios, and managing ad campaigns is all part of the account executive job description. These are abilities that take time to develop and perfect. Before becoming an advertising executive, most advertising agents must have a track record of success in the industry.
There are a variety of ways to get started in advertising and on the road to becoming an advertising executive. The majority of people start with their education. Many colleges and universities offer marketing, sales, and communication degrees, all of which can be used to pursue a career in advertising. Advertising agents frequently have degrees in business, graphic or visual design, and media relations.
It is also necessary to have prior experience. Before making a hiring decision, most employers will want to see a sample of your work. Advertising composites or campaigns created as part of a class assignment can occasionally be used as portfolio samples, but hands-on experience is the best way to generate quality samples.
An internship is a good way to get started. Many advertising firms and agencies hire interns to work as part of their creative design teams during the summer or school year. The pay is usually low, but the experience makes the time spent well worth it in many cases. Internships frequently lead to more permanent positions. Internships will also allow you to interact with full-time advertising agents, and you will have the opportunity to discuss and receive feedback on your plans to become an advertising executive.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to getting a job in advertising or becoming an advertising executive, as there is with most career paths. Being hired an advertising agency is always a good start, but it’s only the beginning. Much of your advancement potential depends on the firm’s needs, your skills, and the availability of advancement opportunities once you’ve started. Before taking a job in an advertising firm, make sure to inquire about the company’s long-term goals, whether they plan to expand in the future, and what your promotion prospects are.
You can also request to speak with a current account executive to learn more about what he or she does on a daily basis. A marketing manager in one company may do very different work than a similar executive in another. While switching companies in the middle of your career is almost always an option, starting with an advertising program that you enjoy and see yourself in is one of the best ways to ensure career satisfaction and improve your chances of becoming an advertising executive.