Advertising executive

What is an advertising executive?

An advertising executive designs and builds advertising campaigns for clients. They promote anything from clothing to charity campaigns and could be working on several different projects at once.

Advertising executives have to convince potential clients that their idea will engage the public. Online campaigns, TV advertising and direct mail are used most often.

What sort of tasks would I be doing?

• Researching a client’s product
• Designing an advertising plan
• Presenting your ideas to clients
• Keeping records of your projects

What qualifications would I need?

Most advertising executives have a degree though it doesn’t have to be in advertising. If you want to study at university but haven’t got the right qualifications, think about doing an Access course.

It is possible to work in advertising without a degree and these qualifications can help you get in to the profession:

• A levels in subjects such as marketing, advertising, media studies and English
• The Diploma in creative and media
• BTEC Higher National Certificates/Diplomas (HNCs/HNDs) in marketing and advertising

It’s also really helpful to get some work experience with an advertising agency. Get in touch with advertising agencies in your area, they may have work experience opportunities available. You may even be able to work up to advertising executive from a work placement.

Have a look in advertising magazines to get a feel for the industry and see job vacancies:

• Campaign
• Creative Review
• The Drum
• Advertising Matters - Advertising Association
• Cutting Edge - CAM Foundation
• Media Week

Also have a look at the following websites to find out more about what advertising involves:

• Advertising Association
• Media Smart
• Communication Advertising and Marketing Education Foundation (CAM Foundation)
• Creative Skills
• Creative Choices
• The Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA)
• Media Circle
• Young Creatives Network (YCN)