Advertising Accounts Executive

Advertising accounts executives are involved in devising and coordinating advertising campaigns, which are created to inform consumers of the merits of purchasing particular products or services.

Advertising accounts executives may carry out the following tasks: discuss with clients and other sources the products to be advertised and obtain relevant information from clients, such as product and company details, budget and marketing goals and marketing research; brief other specialists in the agency (such as creative team media planners and researchers) on client requirements, to develop the details of a campaign; present draft campaign suggestions to clients along with a summary of the expenditure involved and negotiate and arrange for modifications if required; supervise and coordinate the work of the relevant production departments so that the campaign is developed as planned to meet deadlines and budget requirements; liaise with the client throughout the project and deal with problems as they arise; and assist the client with marketing strategies.

Advertising accounts executives usually work as part of a team. They work in close consultation with their clients. Their work is usually carried out under pressure created by the need to compete for clients’ accounts and meet their requirements within strict deadlines.

Work is usually confined to metropolitan areas, as the advertising and promotions industry must have direct access to the major business districts, associated industry groups and media.

Personal Requirements

creative ability
imagination
very good people and communication skills
organisational ability
ability to work under pressure
analytical skills
be very alert as to developments in the advertising field

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

Compulsory Subjects: Art or a design related subject is highly recommended
Recommended subjects: Art, Design Studies, Engineering and Graphic Design

If you intend studying towards a degree at university, you will need a Bachelor's Degree pass in matric.
If you intend studying a diploma in an art-related field, then you will need a Diploma pass in matric.
Meet the admission requirements (APS) set by the university or requirements set by the college.

What to Study

University: Accounts executives usually have at least a Bdegree in Art, Psychology and/or Economics and Marketing

Diploma: Private institutions offer a full basic advertising diploma and a range of specialisation options combining all the latest theory with on-going practical assignments.

Except for educational training, almost all other practical training is usually obtained in-service with an advertising agency or similar organisation.

Employment

advertising agencies
in-house marketing departments of large firms
production companies
design studios
research companies
media owners, i.e. radio stations, newspapers, etc..
self employment - with the necessary knowledge and experience, you can work on your own

Getting Started

arrange to meet an advertising accounts executive and people in advertising agencies and speak to them about the possibilities in this career
try and arrange to spend a day or two, at least, in an advertising studio to observe an accounts executive at work

Programmes by Study Institutions

AAA School of Advertising

College of Cape Town

Premier

Inscape Education Group

Nelson Mandela University

University of Johannesburg

Premier

University of the Witwatersrand

Premier

Varsity College

Vega School of Brand Communications