by Jonathan Haeber
jonathan.haeber@hqpublications.com
Design Programs Staff Writer
Business now spends 336 billion dollars a year on advertising worldwide. Wouldn't you like to earn your fair share by working at an advertising agency? You have the potential to earn more than most doctors. Not only that, but look forward to putting on your creative cap – the advertising industry encourages new ideas!
Aggressive Growth in Advertising Expected
There's a reason why working for an advertising agency can be such a lucrative job. Your responsibility as an advertising professional is simple: return profits. A recent explosion in advertising media outlets means that efforts can pay off. Big.
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But how do you jump into one of a myriad of jobs in advertising? Now is the perfect time to ask that question; 2004 was a promising year for advertising. According to Emarketer.com, industry growth may rise at an aggressive 5% annual growth rate for at least two more years – even as far in the future as 2012, as projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Such an optimistic forecast gives you enough time to jump in when the going's good
Jumping in, however, is one thing. Climbing up is the real challenge.
Ascending the Advertising Job Ladder in Five Steps
- Choose an Advertising Niche. All good advertising professionals know a specialty – whether it is automotive advertisement, apparel advertising, politics, or pharmaceuticals. When deciding on your job niche, choose something that interests you, or something in which you possess specialized knowledge.
- Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Sir Francis Bacon was right when he said, "knowledge is power." Obtaining an advertising-related degree - including any of the degrees in design - is not only helpful, but is often required of advertising managers.
- Gain Experience. This can be considered the toughest part of the job, and it requires the most patience. Entry-level jobs in advertising may be a good ‘first foot in,' but rising to the rank of manager or executive will often take ten years or more.
- Stay Informed. Read up on advertising news, trade journals, and recent statistics. Also, be aware of changes in demographics, and how your advertising expertise can appeal to those demographics. For example, a good advertising manager may be aware that Hispanic consumers will represent 14% of the U.S. population by 2006 with a population growth four times the national average.
- Continue Your Education. After working some time in an entry-level advertising job, think about earning an online or campus MBA. Often, corporations and agencies will sponsor or pay for your continued career education. As a result, your opportunities for advancement can only improve.
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Afraid of Heights? Try These Other Low-stress Advertising Careers
Maybe the idea of climbing the corporate ladder doesn't appeal to you. Still, there's no need to wholly disregard the field of advertising. Design Programs can help you find a number of quick-to-earn online degrees that will allow you to work freelance, from home, or as a producer of advertising creative.
If an advertising agency executive position isn't quite up your alley, here are a few options within advertising that involve less stress and more creativity.
- Advertising Writer. For those of you with the power of the pen, advertising allows you to write exciting campaigns for nationally recognized brands.
- Graphic Designer. Have you ever flipped through a magazine to immediately point your eyes toward a full-page spread for your favorite watch? It was the graphic designer who captured your eyes through compelling spread design.
- Web Developer. Online advertising is expected to be a $16 billion industry by 2009. Web developers will be one of the fastest growing advertising careers.
- Business Analyst. Helpful college courses include Math and Statistics, as well as a solid understanding of market research and consumer behavior.
- Producers, Directors, and Actors/Actresses. Television is still a major player in advertising, and the industry always needs good filmmaking talent.
If you finally decide on an advertising career, Design Programs can help you find the right school for the program that fits your interests. Be sure to check out our online directory of advertising colleges, available by searching your chosen program in the "Search for Schools" box.
About the Author
Jonathan Haeber has worked in publishing since the early age of 16, first with the Roseburg, Ore. News Review, as a sports writer and editor. Later, he served as contributing writer for The Daily Californian, copy editor and production assistant for National Geographic News, and a West Coast correspondent for CollegeBound Magazine. Additionally, he has worked as a public affairs assistant for the University of California and holds bachelor's degrees in English and Geography from U.C. Berkeley.
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