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 advertized 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.
Satisfying Aspects
- dealing with people
- using your imagination and creativity
- a certain amount of glamour
Demanding aspects
- working long and sometimes unsociable hours
- dealing with difficult and demanding clients
- trying to meet deadlines, working with the advertising agency's team members
Requirements
- creative ability
- imagination
- very good people and communication skills
- organizational ability
- ability to work under pressure
- analytical skills
- be very alert as to developments in the advertising field
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Depend on course
Recommended Subjects: Accounting, Economics, Mathematics
Training
Degree: Accounts executives usually have at least a Bdegree in Art, Psychology and/or Economics and Marketing
Employer
- 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 - if you have the necessary knowledge and experience, you can start your own advertising agency
Contact
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)
P O Box 41555
Craighall, 2024
Willowview, Burnside Island Office Park
410 Jan Smuts Avenue
Craighall Park
Tel: (011) 781-2006 Fax: (011) 781-1616
www.asasa.org.za
Media Skills for Africa
Tel: (056) 818-1814
www.editorial.co.za
Association of Advertising Agencies
P O Box 2289
Parklands, 2121
Corner Bram Fischer Drive & Bond Street
Kensington B
Randburg
Tel: (011) 781-2772 Fax: (011) 781-2797
www.acasa.org.za
www.asasa.org.za