How to become an advertising media planner
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- specialist courses run by professional bodies
University
You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a related subject like:
- advertising and marketing
- statistics or operational research
- communication and media studies
- business or management
- psychology
With your degree you can apply for graduate roles like junior media planner in advertising agencies. Some employers combine media planning and media buying roles, giving you the opportunity to gain broader experience before specialising in planning.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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Apprenticeship
You could start on an advertising and media executive advanced apprenticeship and with qualifications and experience move into media planning.
This typically takes 18 months to complete as a mix of learning in the workplace and study.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
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Work
In smaller advertising agencies you could start in a more junior position, like an administrator, and work your way up as your experience of the industry develops.
Volunteering
Getting as much work experience as possible will help you gain a better understanding of the role, and to make contacts who may help you to find paid work in advertising. You could try:
- work experience
- internships
- temporary employment
Social networking sites like Twitter or LinkedIn can be useful for finding and contacting companies and agencies.
Other Routes
You could study the Foundation Certificate offered by the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising if you have less than a year's experience in an advertising, marketing or communications role.
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Career tips
Any work experience in media, marketing, communications or sales would also be useful.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising, for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming an advertising media planner from the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising.
You can also find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.