How to become an Advertising person: Overview

Do you like persuading people? Do you like selling? Think about a career in advertising or promotion.

An advertising education

To become an "adman" or "adwoman," you'll need a bachelor's degree. Any liberal arts degree is fine, though journalism or marketing develop your writing and business savvy. Experience counts, along with strong creativity and superior communication ability. Add computer skills, and you'll stand out from the pack. Aim to get your foot in the door at a large advertising agency, where rapid promotion is likely if you're good.

An advertising career

If you become employed in advertising, you'll work long hours, maybe evenings and weekends, in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, high pressure world. You'll probably travel, too. If you're drawn to advertising, you'll thrive on the pressure. What's more, you'll be paid well for it.

Sources

Occupational Outlook Handbook (bls.gov)
Exploring Careers. JIST Publishing, Inc. 2003.