Advertising director - requirements

As an advertising director, you’ll use your visual knowhow and creative flair to produce ideas for advertising campaigns in a range of media like digital, press and for cinema. 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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What qualifications do you need to be an advertising director?

A degree in any subject will help, but one in a relevant field will prove most useful. Subjects to consider include:

Please note this is a beta version. We'll continue to improve our suggestions here so that we show you the most relevant subjects.

Do you need a postgraduate qualification to be an advertising director?

Although it’s not essential to do a postgraduate course, it can help develop your skills and increase your career opportunities particularly as this is a very competitive industry.

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 director?

As well as advertising skills, you’ll need a passion for storytelling and a flexible approach when working with different people.

Hard skills usually include:
  • Computer software packages
  • Content creation
  • Digital communications
  • Marketing strategy
  • Production
  • Research and analysis
Soft skills include:
  • Creativity
  • Innovation
  • Influencing and negotiating
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Planning
  • Writing

Do you need work experience to be an advertising director?

When applying for jobs at any level in advertising, you’ll probably need a portfolio of work with examples of how you have delivered client briefs and got great results. You can gain work experience by contacting advertising agencies and asking for opportunities. Some agencies offer graduate training schemes. University courses may include industry placements too.

It’s also a good idea to start a blog or use different social network platforms work. This shows that you’re engaged with creative media.

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