Working in the advertising industry is an exciting and eye-opening experience. We may be a bit biased, but we love the fast-paced, dynamic environment of advertising and marketing. If you are thinking of pursing a career in advertising and marketing or even if you have already begun your career, there are three main traits you need to succeed in the advertising world.
1. Be Adaptable
The advertising and marketing industry is constantly changing. This is part of why we love our jobs. No day at the office is ever the same. We constantly need to be learning about the next best thing for our clients to achieve their goals. Whether you work for an agency, work for a business, or for yourself, you need to be adaptable to your environment. You need to stay on top of the changing trends throughout not just your market, but also the world.
This trait also helps with many task advertisers are asked to complete in their day-to-day office work. Our advertising agency is constantly having to think on our feet as we work with a variety of media sources from TV stations to radio.
2. Utilize Strong Communication Skills
Due to the fact we work with a variety of media of companies, as well as our clients, communication could not be more important. Not only do we need to make sure we properly and fully understand the goals and desires of our clients, we also need to be able to communicate these goals and desires in the advertising materials and to other media agencies. Additionally, we need to be able to communicate with our clients the advantages and disadvantages of various decisions.
Strong communications skills are not only important in agencies though. Inside a business, it is important that advertising works closely with other departments in the business to ensure that the advertising message being shared with the public accurately and properly reflects the business’s products and values.
3. Be a Engaged Learner
Learning never stops, especially in the advertising industry. As I have said already, markets and trends are ever-changing. There are constantly new ways to advertise and new ways to reach consumers. Part of the job of being an advertiser is to keep on learning. If you want to succeed in this industry, you need to be an engaged learner who actively seeks out more knowledge.
At the end of the day, these three traits are extremely important. However, they are just the starting point. The traits you have on top of these such as drive, passion, intelligence, etc. are what will separate you from others. If you are considering pursing a career in advertising, make sure to identify what three other characteristics are unique to you and consider how these will help you be successful in an advertising career.