advertising as a career

Karthik JeganathanPGDAM 2012-2013karthik@purplemango.co.in

PerceptionsAdvertising MythsIs Advertising Right for Me?The Big QuestionGetting InThe InterviewConclusion

“Don't tell my mother I work in an advertising agency - she thinks I play piano in a whorehouse.”

- Jacques Seguela

Myth 1: Advertising is an unethical and dishonourable profession.Myth 2: It's really hard to get started in advertising.Myth 3: You'll finally be able to put all those great ideas to good use.Myth 4: It's a glamorous, fun-filled career. Every day is a day at the beach.

Advertising Jobs Aren't Just for Creatives. It helps to be creative though.High Pressure EnvironmentNot Your Typical 9-5Low Pay...At FirstWear Thick SkinPassion

The Suit vs. The CreativeBefore you get into advertising, you have to decide what you actually want to do when you get to an agency. In general, there are two roads to take - creative, or accounts. This is of course a massive generalization, there are many roles not even covered by those descriptions. Whichever path you choose, it is always hard work

Do your Research.Who is hiring? What accounts are they handling? Got through recruitment sites such as afaqs.com, LinkedIn etc

Cold Calling is not always the answerWrite a great cover letter & send in your resume and portfolio (if applying for a creative position).Verify if they received it and find out who is in charge of hiring

InternTake an Entry Level PositionCreate SPEC AdsSchoolingNetwork

Be professional. Dress like you want the job. It may seem like a no-brainer but many job candidates have blown it by mistaking ad agencies as casual and laid back. If you find out everyone wears jeans to the office after you've got the job, that's one thing.Be Prepared. Why do you want this job? Why are you the right person for it? What makes you think you'd be a good fit for the agency? These are all questions that you should know the answers to. You never know if they'll come up during the interview.