Advertising
What is an ad agency? + different types of agencies
Businesses hire ad agencies to "ideate, produce, and manage the showing of advertisements in different mediums." If you're interested in working at an ad agency, it's important to understand the different types of agencies so you can find a good fit. Some of the most common include:
Full-service advertising agency: They can do everything for their clients, from creating managing an entire campaign to creating a TV ad to making a billboard. These agencies provide exposure to a wide range of career options.
Digital advertising agency: Focuses exclusively on digital options, including web design and search engine optimization (SEO). If you have (or want to build) technical skills or want to focus on digital ads, this may be a good fit for you.
Social media advertising agency: Has a lot of content creators (e.g. people who write tweets, create blogs, or make podcasts) and ad optimizers. They focus on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. This is great if you're the social savvy person in your friend group.
Creative boutique: Specializes in creative design services. Companies typically hire them if they can manage their own campaigns but need creative talent. This type of job is great if you have design skills or are a creative person.
Media buying agency: Places their clients' advertising in the right place at the right time, across both online and offline. Basically the opposite of a creative boutique. This is a great option if you enjoy advertising and marketing but are not "traditionally" creative.
Public relations agency: Technically not an ad agency, PR agencies help companies or brands get "earned" media coverage through stories in newspapers, magazines, websites, and TV shows. Another option if you're interested in the "agency" life.
[adapted from G2.com]
The Vault Career Guide to Advertising, Third Edition provides an insider's perspective on what's happening in the industry, what it takes to break in, and how to advance your career. Whether your goal is to work for a major advertising agency or rise to the top at a local firm, this guide will help you master every step of your job search.
Career Options
Here are a few sample job titles for the advertising industry. You can use these to narrow down your search for jobs and internships. Also take a look at the job titles of people working in the industry to get ideas.
Assistant Account Executive
Marketing Communications Manager
Assistant Media Planner
Advertising Sales Director
Assistant Brand Manager
Sales Promotion Manager
Where You Can Work
Check out organizations where BC alum have gotten jobs:
Jack Morton
Kantar Millward Brown
DigitasLBi
OgilvyOne Worldwide
Omnicom Media Group
Tribal Vision
Buzz Marketing Group
Essential Creative Group
MullenLowe
Resources
Read articles and sign up for newsletters from industry leaders, such as:
MarketingBrew (marketing newsletter from the Morning Brew)