Getting into Advertising

[Dizzieblonde]

Anyone know the best way to get a foot into advertising - not the usual telephone-monkey sales jobs - but designing and directing commercials - that sort of thing? Is it as competitive an industry as it seems?

[Buenchico]

OK, I'm no expert! My information is largely based upon such things as conversations on trains with people who are in, or who are seeking to get into, the advertising industry. Disclaimer over, information follows:

While there may be a few people who work their way up from tea-boy to directing commercials, the general rule for getting any half-decent sort of job in the advertising industry is that you need a relevant university degree. 'Relevant', in this case, could include 'public relations', 'communications', 'media studies', 'art', 'design', 'advertising', etc, etc. (Basically anything dead easy and 'wishy-washy' - Oops, sorry, bias creeping in. My degree's in maths!)

Even for those with degrees, job placements can be hard to come by. There are plenty of 'opportunities' in London - indeed, the majority of jobs in this field seem to be in London - but the initial salaries offered often aren't high enough to support living in London.

As I've said, not 'expert' information but hopefully enough for other people to improve upon!

Chris

[Dizzieblonde]

Um...think I might stick to Nursing then :o\

[camille79]

From my experience, it's essential to get into an agency as a fresh graduate.  Once you've worked for a few years, agencies aren't quite as keen to hire you as they like you young and malleable! (plus they can pay you peanuts)

[OBonio]

A friend of mine done his HND in Falmouth and went to top up to a degree in Wycombe. Whilst at Wycombe he was offered a work placement for 2 weeks as part of a prize for some work he'd done. He never finished the degree.

He had a hard time getting work after 9/11 and I think the market place is still very competitive because of it.

Basically, hard work and perseverance and a certain amount of bare faced cheek come in handy.

He also done work experience (basically worked for free) during his BTEC at a local Ad Agency. They used some of his work then and they paid him 20 quid!

(He's responsible for the Norm Twix adverts by the way).