Advertising Account Manager

View this career for different education levels:An Advertising Account Manager acts as the main point of contact between advertising agencies and their clients. The role involves managing client accounts, understanding their needs, and ensuring that advertising campaigns are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard. Account Managers work closely with creative teams, media planners, and clients to coordinate campaign activities, present proposals, and monitor progress. Strong communication, organisational, and negotiation skills are essential, as the job often involves juggling multiple projects and deadlines. This career is ideal for individuals who enjoy working in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment and are interested in the world of advertising and marketing.Advertising Account Managers in the UK typically earn between £22,000 and £45,000 per year, with senior roles reaching up to £60,000.Job OpeningsThere are approximately 10,000 advertising and account management roles in the UK, with strong demand in London and other major cities.Typical Working HoursMost Advertising Account Managers work around 37 to 40 hours per week, often with some overtime to meet client deadlines.Focuses on managing online advertising campaigns for clients, including social media, search engines, and display ads.Specialises in building and maintaining relationships between brands and external partners to create successful advertising collaborations.Works on selecting the most effective media channels for advertising campaigns, ensuring that adverts reach the right audience at the right time.Gain Relevant EducationComplete A Levels or EquivalentTake A Levels (such as Business Studies, English, or Media Studies) or an equivalent qualification to prepare for further study.Good GCSEs, especially in English and Maths, are essential for progressing to A Levels or equivalent courses. Subjects like Business Studies or Media Studies can provide a helpful foundation for understanding the advertising industry. You may also consider BTECs or T Levels in relevant subjects.Obtain a Degree or Higher Education QualificationPursue a degree in advertising, marketing, business, or a related field.While it is possible to enter the field without a degree, most employers prefer candidates with a higher education qualification. Relevant subjects include advertising, marketing, business management, communications, or media studies. Some universities offer sandwich courses with a year in industry, which can provide valuable work experience.Build Practical ExperienceUndertake Internships or Work PlacementsGain hands‑on experience through internships or work placements in advertising or marketing agencies.Look for summer internships, part‑time roles, or work experience opportunities in advertising agencies or marketing departments. This will help you develop key skills such as communication, teamwork, and project management, and give you a better understanding of how agencies operate.Build a Portfolio and NetworkCreate a portfolio of your work and start networking within the industry.A portfolio can showcase your involvement in campaigns, creative ideas, and client‑facing work. Attend industry events, join relevant professional bodies such as the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA), and connect with professionals through LinkedIn and other platforms.Start and Progress Your CareerApply for Entry‑Level RolesLook for entry‑level positions such as Account Executive or Junior Account Manager.Begin your career in roles where you support senior account managers, learn about client management, and contribute to campaign planning. Use your portfolio and experience to demonstrate your skills to employers.Develop Skills and AdvanceTake on more responsibilities and seek promotions to account management positions.As you gain experience, you will be able to manage larger accounts, present campaign strategies to clients, and take on leadership roles within your team. Continuous professional development, such as attending workshops or completing industry‑recognised qualifications, can help you move up to senior Account Manager or Account Director roles.Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Advertising Account Manager. Apprenticeships offer hands‑on experience and training while earning a wage.This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here sharestransferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potentialcareer choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and educationrequired to pursue it.Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page providesinsights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for differentoccupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover theexciting journey ahead in your careerCarrying out routine financial activities and support for businesses and organisations of all types and sizes.Sample QualificationsAn Advertising Account Manager and an Advertising Account Executive both work closely with clients to develop and execute advertising campaigns. The main difference lies in seniority, but in terms of qualifications and core responsibilities, they are quite similar, focusing on client relationship management and campaign coordination.How to becomeYou can get into this job through:a university coursea college courseworking towards this rolespecialist courses run by professional bodiesUniversityYou can get into advertising with a degree in any subject.Some employers may prefer it if you have a degree in a subject like:Employers value work experience so it's important to get as much as you can during your studies.Your university careers service can help you find work experience, internship and placement opportunities.Entry requirementsYou'll usually need:2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degreeThere is no set route to become an advertising account executive.You might find it useful to do a Foundation Certificate in Professional Marketing.Entry requirementsEntry requirements for these courses vary.You may be able to get into this job by doing an advertising and media executive advanced apprenticeship.Entry requirementsYou'll usually need:5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeshipYou might be able to start in a junior position at a small advertising agency in a position like admin assistant.You can then work your way up as your experience in advertising grows.Experience will help you understand advertising and allow you to meet new people who may help you find paid work.You could try:internshipstemporary jobsYou could contact agencies directly to ask about volunteering opportunities. You could also make contacts on social media channels like LinkedIn.The course is offered by by the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising and is open to anyone with less than one year of experience in an advertising, marketing or communications role.More InformationIt's a good idea to have a presence on social networking sites. You could also show your creative and communication skills to employers through your own blog or website.Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests. #J-18808-Ljbffr