Are you someone who is interested in making a career in advertising but is confused about which role is suitable for you?
Finding the right job for your personality and skills is the key to being successful in the advertising industry, as it is in any other. The thing to keep in mind, however, is that advertising is an intensive and demanding industry, and as such it will be a lot easier for you to excel if you select a department that resonates with you. Read on so you may plan a career path that will take you exactly where you want to go.
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Creative Development
Designing all the creatives for each customer is the responsibility of the creative department. They are in charge of the ideating, copywriting, content creation, designing and illustrating for a variety of digital projects, including video production, graphic design, and user experience. They execute the client's vision after receiving it. Having creative abilities, an in-depth understanding of design software and knowledge of the numerous market trends in the client's business are the basic requirements for working in an advertising agency’s creative department.
Here is the list of roles in this department:
- Copywriter
- Photographer
- Art Director
- Copy Associate
- Copy Editor
- Writer
- Graphic Artist
- Illustrator
- Web Designer
- Producer
- Print Traffic Coordinator
- Motion Graphic Designer
- User Experience Strategist
- Chief Creative Officer
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Management
A company's entire advertising programme is managed by an advertising manager and his or her team. They monitor all departmental staff, maintain the advertising budget, and ensure the success of each campaign while also assisting with their execution. They are responsible for liaising with the client and ensuring that the client is content with the advertising tactics used by the ad agency. They may also be managing social media and other channels as and where required.
Here is the list of roles in this department:
- Account Director
- Account Executive
- Account Manager
- Advertising Campaign Manager
- Advertising Manager
- Advertising Director
- Creative Director
- Events Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Sales Manager
- Social Media Manager
- Senior Account Director
- Digital Advertising Manager
- Print Traffic Manager
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Marketing
A marketing associate ensures the efficient operation of an advertising office. They could provide administrative work, market research, consumer data analysis, or even produce marketing and advertising materials like brochures. While marketing remains essentially the same, in ad agencies, the marketing department needs to be able to think outside the box and liaise with the different departments and clients effectively.
Here is the list of roles in this department:
- Advertising Coordinator
- Advertising Specialist
- Brand Manager
- Assistant Media Planner
- Client Strategist
- Client Support Specialist
- Communication Coordinator
- Digital Marketer
- Digital Media Planner
- Marketing Associate
- Online Advertising Coordinator
- Web Analytics Consultant
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Media
The advertising creatives that are made by the other departments are actually taken to the market by the media department. They are in charge of organising and executing a variety of digital campaigns on different social media platforms, search engines, and online platforms. They could also be looking into on-ground advertising. This team manages the budget, develops the advertising campaigns, maintains the audience targeting, and evaluates the results.
Here is the list of roles in this department:
- Media Coordinator
- Media Planner
- Media Research Analyst
- Media Director
- Social Media Manager
- Advertising Manager
- Content Marketing Manager
- Digital Marketing Manager
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Technology & Analytics
Technology is used by every department of the agency, and it frequently needs to be updated, integrated and developed. This team assists other departments with digital technology and marketing tools they employ, particularly in fields like email marketing and advertising, that demand a high level of technical expertise. Along with gathering consumer insights and doing a market analysis of the data, the analytics department is also in charge of conducting research on the client's target market.
Here is the list of roles in this department:
- Web Architect
- IT Specialist
- Email Marketing Specialist
- Web Analyst
- Digital Marketing Analyst
- Creative Technologist
- Website Design Director
- Web Analytics Consultant
Sales
An advertising agency is an agency at the end of the day - their work centres on the clients who come to them and the work they do. Their revenue depends on negotiating strategic contracts with clients, vendors as well as all other stakeholders. Who takes care of these crucial relationships? The sales department. They are in charge of pitching the agency and its resources to potential clients and negotiating the best rates.
Here is the list of roles in this department:
- Advertising Sales Agent
- Account Executive
- Account Planner
- Advertising Sales Representative
- Sales Planner
- Public Relations Specialist
- Online Advertising Specialist
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Establishing a career path in the world of advertising is simple once you've chosen a niche. Having a passion for the niche as well as a bachelor's degree, followed by an internship is a reasonable ask before you go searching for an entry-level job. After all, this is one field where practical, real-world experience counts for as much or more than education!