Advertising account executive

You could get into advertising with any degree subject, although some employers may prefer a relevant subject like:

• advertising and marketing
• statistics or operational research
• communication and media studies
• business or management
• psychology

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

There is no set entry route to become an advertising account executive but it may be useful to do a relevant subject like a Foundation Certificate in Marketing.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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• funding advice
• search for courses

You may be able to get into this job through an advertising and media executive advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

In smaller advertising agencies you may be able to start in a junior position like administrator, and work your way up as your experience in the industry grows.

Experience will help you understand the industry and allow you to meet new people who may help you find paid work in advertising. You could try:

• work experience
• internships
• temporary employment

You could contact agencies directly to ask about placements, and make industry contacts through social networking sites like Twitter or LinkedIn.

You could apply for a graduate training scheme if you have a degree.

Career tips

It's a good idea to have a presence on social networking sites. You could also show your creative and communication skills to employers through your own blog or website.

Further information

You can find out more about a career in advertising from the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising.

You'll need:

• the ability to sell products and services
• customer service skills
• persistence and determination
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• meeting clients to discuss their needs
• working with account planners
• coming up with campaigns that meet the client's needs and budget
• presenting campaign ideas and costs to clients
• briefing the creative team that produces the words and artwork
• checking and reporting on the campaign’s progress
• keeping in contact with the client at all stages of the campaign
• managing the account’s budget and invoicing the client
• trying to win new business for the agency

You could work in an office.