Marketing and advertising is a diverse and exciting industry, perfectly suited to creative, innovative individuals.
Careers in advertising, marketing and public relations are often fast-paced and exciting. The objective of most jobs in this sector is to develop and enhance public interest in a brand, organisation or product.
Careers in Marketing and Advertising
Marketing and advertising are diverse industries with a range of career opportunities. Many of the roles are most suited to individuals with creative, expressive and imaginative minds. Roles in marketing and advertising include:
- Copywriter: Advertising copywriters work alongside the creative department of an advertising agency to create and deliver an imaginative advertising campaign. To work as a copywriter, you will need to have excellent writing and communication skills.
- Creative director: Working as a creative lead at an advertising agency, or in-house for the marketing department of a company, a creative director is required to create, plan and deliver a strategic vision for their clients.
- Advertising account executive: Account executives act as the link between the advertising agency and its clients. To work as an account executive, you will need excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Market researcher: Market researchers collect, analyse and present information to clients. The information you provide will help your clients make informed political, social and economic decisions.
- Marketing executive: Marketing executives perform various roles in contribution to and development of marketing campaigns. This could include selling a product or service or raising the awareness of an issue that affects the public.
- Public relations officer: A career in public relations is about managing the reputation of a company. It involves gaining understanding and support for your clients and influencing opinion and behaviour.
- Social media manager: A social media manager leads an organisation’s social media strategy in an attempt to boost visibility and customer awareness.
Graduate Opportunities
Graduates from a wide range of degree subjects can achieve a successful career in the marketing and advertising industry. Employers are open to recruiting candidates from diverse academic backgrounds, but a degree in a business-related or creative subject may help your application to stand out.
To increase your career prospects, consider taking an undergraduate degree in one of these subject areas:
- Marketing, business or management
- Advertising and communications
- English literature, English language or creative writing
There are several graduate schemes in marketing and advertising. This includes both advertising agencies, such as Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO, and in-house recruitment via many companies, such as Nestlé, British Gas and L’Oréal.
Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO claims to be the UK’s most creative agency. They develop innovative advertising campaigns for many companies, including BT, Doritos, Guinness, Martini and Mercedes-Benz. Graduates are recruited through their AMV Academy and train to become managers and executives in the company.
Nestlé offers a marketing graduate scheme to provide graduates with the knowledge and expertise needed to succeed in brand management and advertising.
British Gas recruit graduates via Centrica through their commercial marketing scheme. Graduates will rotate through four placements, to develop the necessary skills needed for successful market products and brands.
