Advertising in India is a lucrative career option especially in the context of the growing competition in the corporate sector and the unending need for talented advertisers.
A career in advertising is not an easy journey. It is a target-oriented industry and requires a lot of hard work, creativity, and excellent interpersonal skills. So, if you think you have it in you, then advertising is the right career for you.
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for your career in advertising.
Is Advertising the Right Career for me?
The main idea behind advertising is to reach the end products to its target audiences. So being creative alone is not good enough to land a job in the advertising industry. The industry is like a hot pressure cooker and demands you to keep up with the deadlines and the ever-changing trends of the market. Here are a few traits that employers may look for:
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People skills and the ability to influence people.
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Team management.
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Creativity is vital for chalking out ad campaigns.
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Ability to work under high pressure.
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Persuasiveness.
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Quick decision making.
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Budget management.
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Meeting critical deadlines.
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Working long hours.
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Marketing skills.
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Understanding and listening to customer needs.
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Patience.
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Hardworking.
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Tech-savvy.
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Handling criticism.
People skills and the ability to influence people.
Team management.
Creativity is vital for chalking out ad campaigns.
Ability to work under high pressure.
Persuasiveness.
Quick decision making.
Budget management.
Meeting critical deadlines.
Working long hours.
Marketing skills.
Understanding and listening to customer needs.
Patience.
Hardworking.
Tech-savvy.
Handling criticism.
Tips to Get Started
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Students who have completed 10+2 with a minimum score of 50 percent may enroll for a Bachelor’s degree in advertising.
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For an MBA or a postgraduate degree, some institutes may require a minimum score of 60 percent in aggregate.
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After graduation, participate in college internship programmes. This will give you a necessary exposure to the industry and also help you build your resume.
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The next step is to apply for entry-level jobs like junior copywriters, media planners, etc. and get ready for larger roles.
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Specialise in a specific field of advertising, develop client relationships, and create your own personal brand.
Students who have completed 10+2 with a minimum score of 50 percent may enroll for a Bachelor’s degree in advertising.
For an MBA or a postgraduate degree, some institutes may require a minimum score of 60 percent in aggregate.
After graduation, participate in college internship programmes. This will give you a necessary exposure to the industry and also help you build your resume.
The next step is to apply for entry-level jobs like junior copywriters, media planners, etc. and get ready for larger roles.
Specialise in a specific field of advertising, develop client relationships, and create your own personal brand.
Career Prospects in Advertising
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Creative Department
Creative Department
The creative department consists of graphic designers, copywriters, creative assistants, and photographers. These are artistic people who create and design interesting portfolios and ad campaigns for the business.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in graphic designing or Arts.
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Media Planners and Buyers
Media Planners and Buyers
The advertising companies hire media planners and buyers to reach their products to the target customers within the given budget and time. They also buy time and space for ad campaigns in print and digital media. Media directors, supervisors, assistant media buyers, and media researchers are some of the people who work in this department.
Qualifications: Bachelor in advertising or business administration.
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Production
Production
The production department members are responsible for visualizing, creating, and producing advertisements, commercials, posters, etc. This is an extremely challenging job and involves ideating, shooting, and editing of commercials, choosing locations, allocating resources, and mobilizing teams. Production managers, broadcast producers, and executive producers are some of the key roles of this department.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in advertising with an Associate degree in broadcasting.
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Social Media
Social Media
The social media department interacts and engages with consumers through websites, blogs, online ads, and other social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, etc. The main idea is to create and conceptualise strategies to develop a positive online base for customers and generate brand loyalty. Key job roles consist of social media strategists, interactive art directors, and social media analysts.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in journalism/communication/marketing.
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Account Services
Account Services
The account services people are good at communication and organisational skills. The main role is to manage and develop relationships with potential clients, handle projects, develop a customer base, and client satisfaction. Account executives and account directors are some of the key job profiles in this department.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in business management.
Salary Insights
The average annual salary in advertising is INR 9 to 10 lakhs in India. However, it may vary according to the location, job post, and experience of the candidate.
Places to Study
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Acharya Prafulla Chandra College (APCC), Kolkata
Acharya Prafulla Chandra College (APCC), Kolkata
APCC is a NAAC accredited (Grade A) Government college in Kolkata that offers graduation and postgraduation programs in several disciplines.
Courses:
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B.A. (Hons) in Advertisement, Sales Promotion, and Sales Management
B.A. (Hons) in Advertisement, Sales Promotion, and Sales Management
Duration: 3 years.
Eligibility: 12th pass with 50 percent marks in the aggregate.
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Calcutta Media Institute (CMI), Kolkata
Calcutta Media Institute (CMI), Kolkata
CMI founded in 2011 is an ancillary group of ABP Pvt. Ltd. The institute is affiliated under Calcutta University and offers severe post-graduate diploma courses in media management.
Courses:
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Advance Course in Advertising.
Advance Course in Advertising.
Duration: 6 months.
Eligibility: Graduation.
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Institute of Media and Marketing Communications (IMMC), Kolkata
Institute of Media and Marketing Communications (IMMC), Kolkata
IMMC, Kolkata is one of the best institutes imparting several courses in digital marketing across Eastern India.
Courses:
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Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations.
Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations.
Duration: 2 years.
Eligibility: Graduation.
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IMCFTS or Institute of Mass Communication Film and Television Studies, Kolkata
IMCFTS or Institute of Mass Communication Film and Television Studies, Kolkata
IMCFTS was established in 2002 and is one of the finest centers for media studies in West Bengal.
Courses:
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Certificate in Advertising, Public Relations, and Event Management.
Certificate in Advertising, Public Relations, and Event Management.
Duration: 6 months.
Eligibility: 12th pass.
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Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU), Kolkata
Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU), Kolkata
NSOU founded in 1997 is a government-recognised open university for distance learning with centers across India.
Courses:
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Post Graduate Diploma in Public Relations and Advertising.
Post Graduate Diploma in Public Relations and Advertising.
Duration: 1 year.
Eligibility: Graduation.
Other Top Colleges in India
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Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi.
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Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (SIMC), Pune.
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Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC), Mumbai.
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Mudra Institute of Communications (MICA), Gujarat.
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University of Mumbai, Mumbai.
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Manav Rachna University (MRU), Faridabad.
Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi.
Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (SIMC), Pune.
Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC), Mumbai.
Mudra Institute of Communications (MICA), Gujarat.
University of Mumbai, Mumbai.
Manav Rachna University (MRU), Faridabad.