Advertising account executive
Account handler
Advertising account executives provide the link between an advertising agency and its clients.
Salary Range: £18,000 to £60,000
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
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
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
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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.