Advertising Copywriter

Typical Salary

£20,000 To £80,000

Typical Hours

37 to 39 a week

evenings occasionally

How To Become a Advertising Copywriter

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
applying directly
a graduate trainee scheme

College / University

You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a related subject like:

English
creative writing
journalism
communication studies
advertising

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

Apprenticeship

You can work towards this role by starting with an advanced apprenticeship as a junior advertising creative or a junior content producer.

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

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You can apply to companies directly if you have some of the relevant skills and knowledge required for this role.

Some advertising agencies may also consider your application if you don't have a degree. You'll need to show off your creativity, writing skills and business sense.

Other Routes

You may be able to start on a graduate training scheme with an advertising agency, if you have a degree qualification.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of English language
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
knowledge of media production and communication
the ability to sell products and services
the ability to work well with others
excellent verbal communication skills
the ability to read English
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

You'll work as a team with an art director, who will provide the images to go with your words.

You'll work from a brief which will tell you about the client, their product, the target audience and the advertising message they want to get across.

You'll then:

write clear and persuasive words
present your ideas to the agency's creative director and account team, and later, the client
make sure your work meets the codes of advertising practice
proofread copy to check spelling, grammar and facts

Working Environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

The key to finding work is to get as much work experience as possible. It will help you get a better understanding of the role, and 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.

Tips & Information

Career tips

You could showcase your creative and communication skills through your own blog, website or social networking sites. You'll also need to develop a portfolio of your work to show potential employers.

You could also enter the D&AD New Blood competition, which is aimed at students and recent graduates not already employed in a creative role. It gives you the opportunity to work on real client briefs and showcase your work.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an advertising copywriter from the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising and Discover Creative Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.