The glitz and the glam of advertising work drive young people to this career path. It pays well too. But behind the scenes are long hours of hard work and brain picking. If this is your dream job, do you know what you're up for?

The Job

Advertising jobs run the gamut of marketing, public relations, marketing, and selling. The harder part has to do with market research and devising marketing strategies and advertising campaigns. On the top of the ladder are the managers who take charge of pricing, product development and overall coordination with the different marketing divisions of the company. On a smaller scale, the job can be done by the chief executive or the owner of the business.

Advertising work has several layers of responsibilities; no wonder it pays well especially if you are creative and dynamic. With the internet, advertisers have to keep pace with the changing internet advertising trends to keep pace and to keep a global market interested. The job combines traditional advertising knowledge and skills and technology. A candidate for the job who has the best of both can expect to get a piece of the action, and get paid handsomely.

There is a broad range of advertising disciplines. The job can overlap with marketing and sales and public relations. Job applicants with a qualification in psychology, media studies, advertising, and business are generally preferred by employers. But if you have math degree, you can use this as a jumping point for an advertising career.

What is Expected from You?

If you have a business diploma you must be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills, creativity, organizational ability, logical and lateral thinking, and ability to work with a team.

Job Qualifications

A college degree in business prepares the graduate for a career in advertising. To beef up your chances for an advertising job, take advertising courses. If you are math major, marketing subjects in your academic record is significant for a switch to an advertising profession.

If you have zero idea what employers need for advertising people, take a look at the wanted ads for the position. You can get more ideas there to improve your chances to get hired.

Don't limit your learning to textbooks. Learn from the masters and read books. Following advertising trends is an excellent way to learn more about advertising jobs.

If you are eyeing an advertising management position, a journalism or advertising degree is a big bonus. In this particular advertising sphere, you are expected to be an expert in communication methods, photography and/or art history, and visual arts. Courses in consumer behavior, marketing, market research and sales are non-negotiable qualifications for a managerial position.

A bachelor's degree in journalism is also a stepping stone to a managerial post in public relations. This is more geared towards public affairs and public speaking, creative writing, and technical writing. A journalism degree in advertising leads to creative advertising opportunities.

Journalism graduates who have completed additional courses such as business administration and advertising have a higher rate of success at getting this type of advertising profession. Jobs in advertising especially in large firms assure fast promotion and pays well.

To get an advantage in a competitive market for advertising opportunities, certifications from related programs are required. These certifications are based on job performance and education. For those who have been in the profession for years and wish to get a management position in public relations, they can be certification by the Public Relations Society of America after fulfilling requirements.

Job Projections and Compensation

For advertising, promotions, public relations, marketing, and sales managers, it is projected by the National Bureau of Labor that by year 2018, some 80,300 positions will be filled up. Future job openings will be job replacements and retirement. The competition will tough for managerial positions because this is the best paying job in marketing industry.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reported that starting salaries for 2009 graduates with marketing majors averaged an annual pay of $43,325. This is projected to go up as one acquires additional skills and the experience needed for the job. The pay will vary though according to the level of managerial skills and length of service in the company. The advantage will be enjoyed by those who have advanced computer skills and strong communication skills.

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