Advertising account manager - requirements

As an advertising account manager, you’ll use your communication skills to liaise with clients on behalf of your company and make sure projects are finished on time and to budget. Learn more about a career in advertising, find out what it involves and what you’ll need to study and do to get a role.

Know what you'll need to land a job below.

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How to become an advertising accounts manager

What qualifications do you need to be an advertising account manager?

A degree in a relevant field will prove useful. Subjects to consider include:

Advertising apprenticeships are also available, where you gain skills and knowledge on the job alongside some study.

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Do you need a postgraduate qualification to be an advertising account manager?

Although it’s not essential to do a postgraduate course, it can help develop your skills and increase your career opportunities.

Examples of taught MAs and research degrees at postgraduate level include:

  • Advertising
  • Branding
  • Corporate communications, marketing, and public relations
  • Creative advertising strategy
  • Digital marketing
  • Global journalism and public relations
  • Psychology of advertising

What skills do you need to be an advertising account manager?

As well as being able to manage campaigns and creative teams, you’ll need to keep up with the various responsibilities that come with the role.

Hard skills usually include:
  • Advertising
  • Budgets
  • Client relationships
  • Competency with using and learning new computer software packages
  • Digital marketing
  • Media production
  • Sales
Soft skills include:
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Attention to detail
  • Commercial awareness
  • Communication and presentation
  • Customer service
  • Decision making
  • Innovation and creativity

Do you need work experience to be an advertising account manager?

In this competitive industry, it’s a good idea to get some work experience to understand how an advertising agency works and to stand out from the crowd.

You could gain experience as part of a placement on a degree course or contact an agency directly asking for an internship or summer job. Volunteering in a communication role for a charity or student society will also help develop the sort of skills needed.

You could also set up your own blog or use your own social media channels to showcase content and demonstrate a commitment to the industry.

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