Advertising media buyer

Also known as: Media buyer, TV, radio or digital buyer, out of home buyerWhat you’ll doMedia buyers book advertising space in newspapers and magazines, and on TV, radio and the internet.Day-to-day tasksidentify the target audience and decide how to reach them through advertisingkeep up with industry research into people’s lifestylesbuild relationships with clients and media sales companiesnegotiate for the most suitable advertising spots at the best ratesprepare costings for clientsanalyse sales data, to judge a campaign’s effectivenessWorking environmentYou could work in an office or at a client’s business.Where you could workYou could work in an office or at a client’s business.UniformYou may need to wear smart business dress.Working hours38 to 40 hours per weekWhen you could work9am to 5pmSkills you’ll needknowledge of media production and communicationthe ability to use your initiativethe ability to organise your time and workloadpatience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situationsto be thorough and pay attention to detailto be flexible and open to changethe ability to come up with new ways of doing thingsto be able to use a computer and the main software packages competentlyHow to become oneYou can get into this job through:a university courseworking towards this rolespecialist courses run by professional bodiesYou could do a related apprenticeship like an assistant buyer higher apprenticeship or an advertising media executive advanced apprenticeship.With experience these may give you some of the skills, knowledge and industry contacts you need to move into advertising media buying roles.You'll usually need:5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeshipYou'll find it useful to get experience to help you understand the industry and to meet people who may help you find paid work. You could try: work experience; internships; temporary employmentYou could contact agencies directly to ask about placements, and make industry contacts through social networking sites like Twitter or LinkedIn.You could start in a junior position like office assistant in a small advertising agency and work your way up through training and promotion.Other routesYou could study the Foundation Certificate offered by the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising if you have less than a year’s experience in an advertising, marketing or communications role.Career path and progressionYou might choose to specialise in buying radio, online or television advertising.You could eventually become a media manager of an agency, or move into media planning, account planning or account management. #J-18808-Ljbffr