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Advertising account executive

Alternative titles for this job include Account handler

Advertising account executives provide the link between an advertising agency and its clients.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings occasionally

How to become an advertising account executive

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying for a graduate training scheme

University

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

College

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.

More information

Apprenticeship

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

Work

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.

Volunteering and experience

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.

Other routes

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

More information

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.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to account manager, become an agency director, or set up your own agency.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an advertising account executive right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

DIGITAL AND CREATIVE LEADERSHIP

  • Provider: AGENT ACADEMY C.I.C.
  • Start date: 01 June 2020

Marketing

  • Provider: KNOLE ACADEMY
  • Start date: 02 September 2020
  • Location: Sevenoaks
Find courses near you

JobsIn the United Kingdom

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