The advertising industry is booming.
Take a look at where advertising began, and how far it has come:
In fact, Statista reported that global ad spend reached over $560 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow 4.3 percent in 2020.
That means the advertising job market is booming as well.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Overall employment of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.” While advertising job opportunities are not limited to advertising management positions, this statistic provides a glimpse at what your students’ futures may hold.
Advertisers can work for ad agencies or they can work for companies with in-house advertising teams. Whether entry- or executive-level, a wide range of job opportunities await your students.
Job Opportunities
The advertising industry provides a wide variety of job options including everything from graphic design to account management.
Check out these options to gain an idea of the advertising job market:
Entry-Level Advertising Jobs
Post-graduation, most students are looking for entry-level advertising jobs. The requirements for specific positions vary by company, but the following list captures a general idea of current, entry-level opportunities.
JUNIOR COPYWRITER
Junior copywriters work beneath senior copywriters and assist in creating copy for advertising materials.
ASSISTANT RESEARCH EXECUTIVE
Assistant research executives conduct primary and secondary research to help companies understand their target markets and customers’ habits.
ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR
Advertising sales coordinators sell ad space.
JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Junior graphic designers assist in creating advertisement graphics and other visual elements.
JUNIOR EDITOR
Junior editors work beneath senior editors and assist in editing copy for advertising materials.
ASSISTANT MEDIA PLANNER
Assistant media planners plan, buy, execute, and manage media.
JUNIOR DIGITAL ADVERTISING ASSOCIATE
Junior digital advertising associates run, track, and manage ad campaigns to ensure they are meeting objectives.
ASSISTANT ACCOUNT MANAGER
Assistant account managers work with account managers and executives to communicate with clients and manage the advertising development process.
Advertising Jobs
Once advertisers have gained expertise, they can graduate to higher-level positions. Many of which are similar to their entry-level counterparts, however a greater level of responsibility and performance is expected.
ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT
Account managers work directly with clients and orchestrate the advertising development from start to finish.
RESEARCH AND ACCOUNT PLANNING
Researchers understand the brand, consumer, and problem to be solved then determine the best solution. Account planners push advertising through the creative process and ensure that it meets objectives.
MEDIA PLANNING AND BUYING
Media planners and buyers determine the media that best fits the advertising need.
CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION
Creative developers use sensory elements and copy to display advertising in the most impactful way possible.
Creative development positions include:
- Copywriting
- Art direction
- Production
SPECIALTY AREAS
Specialty positions don’t take part in the advertising development process directly, but they ensure that the process runs smoothly and effectively.
Specialty areas include:
- Data analytics
- UX design
- Digital production
- Project management
- Public relations
- Social media and community manager specialists
- Search specialists
Real Advertising Job Listings
The current job market is saturated with advertising opportunities. Whether a candidate has two years of experience or ten, there are a wide variety of career options.
Take these online listings for example:
Associate Media Planner
AKQA — San Francisco, CA
Qualities the associate media planner must have include:
- Internship experience in business or media
- Strong communication skills
- Vast knowledge of media planning best practices
- Experience with current and emerging media
- Experience presenting to clients
The associate media planner’s role requirements include:
- Managing media plan execution
- Using third-party research tools to create consumer profiles
- Identifying tactical media-buying opportunities
- Using analytics to track and report on campaigns
- Working with clients to create the best possible outcome
Assistant Account Executive
Edelman — New York City, NY
Qualities the assistant account executive must have include:
- Strong communication skills
- Internship experience in communications
- A bachelor’s degree in a communications-related field
- Understanding of the Microsoft Office Suite and office procedures
- Strong organizational skills
The assistant account executive’s role requirements include:
- Creating and managing media lists and pitches
- Learning Edelman’s processes
- Coordinating events and projects
- Researching materials and online conversations
- Understanding clients, their products, strategies, etc.
Junior Graphic Designer
Beacham & Company — Atlanta, GA
Qualities the junior graphic designer must have include:
- At least two years of experience as a graphic designer
- Experience with design software
- A Bachelor of Fine Arts in design
- Knowledge of up-and-coming design trends
- Understanding of design best practices
The junior graphic designer’s role requirements include:
- Collaborating with team members on various projects
- Handling special design projects
- Producing marketing collateral
- Working with and learning from the marketing team
- Pitching innovative ideas
Digital Advertising Manager
Musicbed — Fort Worth, TX
Qualities the digital advertising manager must have include:
- A bachelor’s degree in marketing or communications
- Strong teamwork capabilities
- Strong communication skills
- Great time management skills
- Receptiveness to feedback
The digital advertising manager’s role requirements include:
- Managing, creating, and monitoring Google Ads campaigns
- Managing, creating, and monitoring paid social campaigns
- Using analytics to improve digital advertising efforts
- Working with teams to plan marketing campaigns
- Optimizing customer flow and conversions
The Average Advertising Salary
The average advertising salary can range anywhere from $47,686 to $222,866 depending on a candidate’s experience, education, position, etc.
Take a look at these different positions to gain a more accurate idea of average advertising salaries:
Advertising Manager Salary
Low: $74,227
Median: $97,423
High: $135,097
Junior Copywriter Salary
Low: $21,000
Median: $44,530
High: $77,000
Senior Copywriter Salary
Low: $71,000
Median: $78,900
High: $86,800
Advertising Account Executive Salary
Low: $65,227
Median: $80,118
High: $107,344
Advertising Art Director Salary
Low: $71,270
Median: $98,564
High: $136,976
Graphic Designer Salary
Low: $46,950
Median: $74,161
High: $101,370
Preparing Your Students for a Competitive Job Market
From graphic design to account management, a wide variety of opportunities await your students. Needless to say, your students need skills, experience, and knowledge to land jobs after graduation.
The simple and straight-forward digital textbook “Advertising: Selling in Today’s World” arms students with industry know-how and hands-on practice in today’s world of advertising. And with 86 classroom-ready resources, you’ll save hours of prep time on a course your students will love.
Click the button below to request free instructor access to “Advertising: Selling in Today’s World.”
