Advertising combines design, technical expertise, marketing and public relations(PR) in order to promote the goods or services of various commercial, public and charitable organisations.
Advertising encompasses a number of different disciplines, including marketing, design, PR and copywriting. Entrance into this industry usually calls for a degree or diploma in the relevant subjects. Those with marketing, advertising, design or life science qualifications will have a distinct advantage over the competition when it comes to finding employment. Recruitment agencies and employers will often be looking for vocational qualifications from the likes of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising and the Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing. However, some people have been known to find staff positions in the advertising industry due to their passion, flair or track-record of achievement in the area.
There a several advertising agencies in the UK which offer employment opportunities on a regular basis. However, there is a growing trend towards the use of digital forums such as social media, so SEO specialists, digital copywriters and graphic designers will often be able to find opportunities with digital agencies. Larger retailers and multinational companies will sometimes recruit their own advertising teams.
Salaries in advertising differ greatly depending on the specific role and the experience of the candidate. Entry-level positions will often attract salaries of between £18,000 and £25,000. However, senior advertising executives can earn up to £100,000 per year with leading advertising agencies, and there are usually opportunities to earn bonuses.