How to Break Into Advertising: 4 Career Paths

You see it everywhere—from Instagram Reels and YouTube pre-rolls to podcasts, streaming platforms, billboards and buses. Advertising is embedded in modern life, and behind every great campaign is a team of professionals turning insight into impact.

Advertising is fast-paced, highly creative, and always evolving—driven by storytelling, strategy, and data. Whether you’re a big-ideas person, a relationship builder or a master of visual craft, there’s a place for you in this high-energy industry.

Why Choose a Career in Advertising?

Advertising sits at the intersection of creativity and commerce. If you love generating ideas, working in dynamic teams, and making content that influences culture, advertising could be your calling.

With the rise of digital and programmatic media, roles are more diverse than ever—from AI-powered campaign analysis to TikTok content strategy and branded podcast production. It’s no longer just about TV and print.

Agencies and in-house teams alike are on the hunt for creative thinkers, strategic minds, and digitally fluent professionals. And yes, some of them do feel like rock stars.

Key Roles in the Advertising Industry

1. Creative

The creative team brings campaigns to life. It’s typically made up of art directors and copywriters working together to come up with the “big idea.” These ideas then become campaigns across TV, digital, social, radio, outdoor and print.

You’ll need a strong portfolio, great collaboration skills, and a hunger to create work that stops people mid-scroll. A background in graphic design, fine arts, or creative writing helps, but your ideas and execution matter most.

2. Account Management

Account managers are the link between the agency and the client. They translate client needs into briefs, manage timelines, budgets, and make sure that the creative vision aligns with business goals.

This is a role for people who love managing projects, nurturing relationships and keeping everyone on track. Think of it as a hybrid of project manager, business strategist and client champion.

3. Strategy & Planning

Planners and strategists dive deep into data and human behaviour to inform campaign direction. They uncover insights that help the creative team develop relevant, resonant work.

You might analyse audience behaviour, brand perception, media trends or cultural shifts. Strategic roles require a mix of curiosity, critical thinking and communication skills—perfect for those who love asking “why?”

4. Media Planning & Buying

Media specialists decide where and when ads appear—and how to get the most impact for the budget. They work across traditional and digital platforms (like TV, TikTok, Spotify, Meta, and Google Ads).

This area is increasingly data-driven and tech-savvy, with roles like media planner, performance marketing specialist, and programmatic trader growing in demand.

5. Production

Production teams turn creative concepts into reality. This includes:

• Print and Digital Production: Layout artists, retouchers, digital producers
• Broadcast Production: Managing video and audio shoots, working with directors and editors
• Studio Managers: Overseeing the flow of assets across platforms and ensuring creative consistency

Production requires technical know-how, attention to detail, and solid coordination skills.

What Skills Do You Need to Succeed?

• Creativity: For ideation, design, and storytelling
• Collaboration: Advertising is team-driven, and great communicators thrive
• Strategic thinking: Especially for planning, account, and data-focused roles
• Digital fluency: Understanding how campaigns work across channels like Meta, YouTube, TikTok, and programmatic display
• Adaptability: The industry changes fast—those who learn quickly go far

Explore marketing and advertising courses to build your skills and fast-track your entry into the industry.

How to Get Started

If you’re serious about building a career in advertising:

• Start a portfolio if you’re going into creative
• Get an internship or graduate role at an agency
• Complete a relevant qualification in advertising, communication or media
• Learn tools like Adobe Creative Cloud, Meta Ads Manager, Google Analytics and Canva
• Keep up with industry trends via sites like Mumbrella and AdNews

Ready to launch? Here’s how to get a job in advertising.