Advertising
Although you could work in-house the vast majority of people work in agencies. These could be advertising agencies or integrated agencies who offer a broad range of services to clients.
Relevant work experience and a demonstration of an interest and understanding of the industry is valued over degree subject.
Where do I start?
Information and advice on advertising specifically for University of Edinburgh students and graduates.
Profiles
Follow the links below for profiles of common occupations in this sector:
Career contacts
We have links with professionals who have agreed to be consulted by students and recent graduates about working in advertising.
This is a unique opportunity to find out much more than you will from printed information, but please remember: these people have agreed to act as career contacts, not recruitment contacts.
The career contacts can only be viewed within the University of Edinburgh domain.
Professional bodies
Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) - is the trade body and professional institute for the industry. It's a really useful source of information about the industry and a great way of finding lists of agencies. The IPA have a dedicated careers site called AdMISSION where you can find a wealth of information on careers in advertising, how to find work experience and vacancies. The 'guides to working in...' videos are really useful for giving you a brief overview of what areas such as search, strategic planning and creative actually involve as well as getting some helpful insider advice.
Incorporated Society of British Advertisers - represents the interests of UK advertisers. The site is useful for keeping up to date with the news and issues affecting the industry.
International Advertising Association - the website contains a useful section which lists advertising associations throughout the world which is helpful if you are thinking of working in advertising overseas.
Useful resources
The IPA have developed two tests for people to identify if they are suited to roles in advertising. The copy test is for copywriters and the diagonal thinking self assessment helps people decide whether they are suited to working in advertising (the results can be used as part of an application).
Creative choices - contains interviews with advertising professionals about the industry, how they got in and tips for students and graduates.
D&AD - charity representing the UK’s thriving design and advertising communities. The education department works to promote excellence and promote and nurture new talent. D&AD organise advertising and design workshops for people who are just starting out in their creative careers.
Internet Advertising Bureau - is a trade body for online advertising. The website includes a careers section with advice and information specifically for graduates. The site also advertises jobs and has a directory of members which you can use to find potential employers.
All our best work - this site showcases agencies creative work and is worth looking at to help prepare for making applications or attending interviews.
This article was published on May 2, 2013