Do you want to be an...

Advertising Account Executive

Also known as Advertising Specialist.

Advertising account executives devise and coordinate advertising campaigns, which are created to encourage consumers to purchase particular products or services.

Advertising account executives usually work as part of a team. They work closely with their clients. Their work is usually carried out under pressure to compete for clients' accounts and to meet their requirements within strict deadlines.

TASKS

Advertising account executives may perform the following tasks:

discuss the products to be advertised with clients and other stakeholders, and obtain relevant information from clients such as product and company details, budget, marketing goals and marketing research
brief other specialists in the agency (such as the creative team, media planners and researchers) on client requirements in order to develop the details of a campaign
present draft campaign suggestions to clients along with a summary of the expenditure involved, and negotiate and arrange for modifications if required
supervise and coordinate the work of the relevant production departments to ensure the campaign meets deadlines and budget requirements
keep in contact with clients throughout projects and deal with problems as they arise
assist the client with marketing strategies

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

creativity
imagination
good communication skills
organisational skills
able to work under pressure
analytical ability

Very Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Media Planner - organises and purchases advertising space on television, radio, in magazines and newspapers or on outdoor advertising. They liaise with clients and sellers of advertising space to ensure the advertising campaign reaches the target market.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become an advertising account executive you usually have to complete a degree with a major in advertising or marketing and have relevant work experience. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. Most universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

The Communications Council offers various short courses and certificates for people working in the industry, which may assist career progression. Refer to their website for more details.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Advertising account executives usually work for advertising agencies. Work is generally confined to metropolitan areas, as the advertising and promotions industry must have direct access to the major business districts, associated industry groups and media.

Career prospects are dependent on a reputation for effective advertising management. Employment is affected by the availability of advertising funds in corporate and other organisations, the perceived effect of advertising on consumers, the type of advertising considered appropriate, and the number of special events and new developments that require advertising and promotional campaigns. Entry to the industry is very competitive.