Advertising Account Executive

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

Typical Salary

£18,000 To £60,000

Typical Hours

37 to 39 a week
evenings occasionally

How To Become a 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

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

    Apprenticeship

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

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

    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.


    Other Routes

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

    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

    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 & Progression

    Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

    Volunteering Opportunities

    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.

    Tips & 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.

    Restrictions & Requirements

    Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.

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