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Advertising account executive

account handler account manager
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Print and publishing, marketing and advertising
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Career outlook for advertising account executive

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£19,000

Experienced

£36,000

Currently employed in Scotland

17,000

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would help businesses and organisations reach their customers by organising successful advertising campaigns.

You'd find out what the business wants to achieve from its advertising. Then you would work with your agency's creative staff to come up with an exciting idea.

You'd present your agency's ideas to the clients and explain what it will cost.

If they approve then you'd then brief the creative team to produce the words and artwork, make sure that deadlines are met and that the advertising campaign is launched on time.

You'd monitor the campaign once it is up and running and report on its impact so your clients are satisfied that their money was well spent.

It would be important that you keep in contact with the client at all stages of the campaign and that you manage the account's budget and invoice the client.

You would normally handle about three or four accounts at the same time. You'd highlight successful campaigns as examples to win new business.

You could work for a communication agency that deals with one or more types of advertising media including digital, social media, mobile marketing and direct.

Working conditions

Hours

You would usually work from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You could often work longer hours when you have deadlines to meet.

Environment

You would be based at an office but would go out to meet clients.

Travel

You may travel to meet clients.

UK employment status

Full-time

61%

Part-time

28%

Self employed

11%

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  • Networking
  • Verbal communication
  • Creative
  • Researching
  • Implementing ideas
  • Managing resources
  • Time management
  • Negotiating
  • Taking responsibility

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.

You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.

Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.

Qualifications

Most entrants are graduates. Relevant degrees include:

  • Advertising
  • Marketing
  • Statistics or operational research
  • Communication
  • Media studies
  • Business or management
  • Psychology

To enter a degree (SCQF Level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three highers at C or above or a relevant HND/HNC. 

Useful subjects

  • English (required by many courses)
  • Maths 
  • Social subjects
  • Business

You will also need

Many courses and employers require a portfolio.

Once in work/qualified it is advised you register with Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA).

Helpful to have

Qualifications and experience that show understanding and experience of the industry such as:

  • Skills for Work Creative Digital Media (SCQF Level 4)
  • Creative Industries (SCQF Level 5)