So, I'm going to be going back to school next semester. Have a decent, steady job, but of course, I don't see myself doing it until I'm 60. Anyone have any experience in the field of advertising? I'm looking to get into this field, but I was sort of wondering what I (if I decide to choose this path) will be getting myself into. Tips? Stories?
Portfolio > any education background you may have.. Online Ad > Any Traditional Advertising experience you may have..
Funny, I'm in advertising and I have a hard time seeing myself doing it until I'm 60. But then I think I'd feel that way about anything. Yes, I have some experience in advertising You'll be getting yourself into a highly competitive career that can be somewhat volatile, depending on the type of agency or career you seek out, but often an exciting and fun way to earn a living. There are many facets or niches in advertising... media, sales, graphic design, print production, creative direction/production, direct response, marketing and communications, PR, account management, project management, whatever. Obviously, it would help to get in a door with a marketing, communications, creative or advertising degree of some sort. Maybe intern at an agency, and keep an open mind until you see what you're really interested in. Generally, without any skill, at most agencies you'd start by working production of some sort, doing the grunt work for designers, writers or creative teams in some capacity until someone sees that you are dedicated and have an aptitude and talent for it and decides to let you even get close to anything beyond that. Which direction you take will depend on your skill set and dedication. Not experience wise, since it appears you have little to none, but general affinity for things such as writing, any artistic skills, an eye for design, comfort level with PR or sales pitch, something. Advertising is a pretty big word, and really includes a vast array of careers or paths. I'd think more specifically before I took the jump, though getting your feet wet in any of these alleged paths would give you some insight as to what truly interests you about it. Stories? I don't know, too many to tell probably... let me know if and when you go down the path a bit, and I promise to tell the story about the Photo Shoot I directed where they sent me a hand model who was missing a digit. True story. Of course, now you know the punch line.
I'm in the Production side of Advertising...and trust me....if you really care about money...choose a different career. If money is not your motive and you want to be creative, then Advertising is great for you.
I'm a freelance copywriter (a lot of direct-response) and do some work for two agencies and several small businesses. I enjoy what I do and love setting my own schedule, rates, deadlines, etc...but it probably isn't very consistent with most other advertising jobs.
I can't give you any first hand advice, but I'm still a student and a lot of my friends majoring in marketing are having a tough time finding jobs and internships in advertising. I'm not sure if that's a reflection of them or the nature of the field. And it could just be the economy, but speaking for myself, I actually didn't have too much trouble getting an accounting internship (and my grades are pretty good but not great), so take that for whatever it's worth. Not sure if that helped at all.
In a crappy economy, businesses cut advertising. Not a good business to be in today. But, when/if the economy turns around, not a bad business. My gf is in advertising. It's pretty rough out there right now.
Don't worry - must lucrative jobs these days involve sucking the devil's ****, so a little extra advertising isn't gonna hurt anymore than the pile of **** we're already buried under.
