Advertising Manager

Your Fit

Income

$111K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

1.9%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Advertising Manager?

Advertising Managers oversee the development and execution of advertising strategies to promote products or services. They lead teams that create advertising campaigns, negotiate contracts, and analyze market trends to effectively reach target audiences.

Sample job titles:

Advertising Manager (Ad Manager), Communications Manager, Promotions Director, Promotions Manager

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Advertising Manager.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Advertising Manager earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Advertising Manager.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$64K per year	$90K per year	$111K per year	$140K per year	$187K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $46K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Advertising Manager do?

Work environment

Advertising Managers typically work in offices, within advertising agencies, or in the advertising departments of companies. The environment is fast-paced and collaborative, often with tight deadlines and multiple projects running simultaneously. They frequently interact with clients, media representatives, and creative teams.

Quick task list

Develops and implements advertising strategies.
Coordinates with creative teams to produce advertisements.
Negotiates contracts and managing budgets.
Analyzes market trends and consumer behavior.
Collaborates with clients and media outlets.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Digital Advertising: Specializing in online and digital media strategies.
Brand Management: Focusing on building and maintaining a specific brand's image.
Media Buying: Expertise in purchasing advertising space in various media outlets.
Creative Direction: Leading the creative aspect of advertising campaigns.

Description

Advertising Managers play a crucial role in shaping how a product or service is perceived by the public. They are responsible for formulating advertising strategies that align with the client's goals and target audience. This involves a deep understanding of market research, consumer behavior, and the competitive landscape. They work closely with creative teams to ensure that the advertising content aligns with the strategy and resonates with the intended audience.

Strong leadership and communication skills are essential, as they coordinate between various departments, clients, and media representatives. They must be adept at managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and making strategic decisions. Staying current with advertising trends, especially in digital media, is crucial for success in this field.

Advertising Managers often find satisfaction in seeing a campaign they've directed come to fruition and succeed in the market. Creativity, strategy, and the dynamic nature of the advertising field make it an exciting and rewarding career for those who are passionate about communication and marketing.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Developing creative and impactful advertising campaigns.
Leading and collaborating with diverse teams.
Seeing tangible results in the form of successful campaigns and brand growth.

You might make a good Advertising Manager if you are...

Creative with a keen interest in marketing and advertising.
An excellent communicator and leader.
Analytical and strategic in your thinking.
Able to thrive under pressure and manage multiple projects.
Passionate about understanding consumer behavior and market trends.

Pros:

Creative and Dynamic Work: Advertising managers often work on a variety of creative campaigns, which can be both challenging and fulfilling.
Influence and Impact: A significant role in shaping how a brand is perceived in the market, directly impacting a company's success.
Networking Opportunities: Regular interaction with clients, media representatives, and creative teams, offering a wide networking scope.
Career Advancement: Opportunities for career growth in various sectors, including digital marketing, brand management, and strategic planning.

Cons:

High-Pressure Environment: Meeting tight deadlines and achieving campaign objectives can create a stressful work environment.
Rapidly Changing Industry: The need to stay abreast of the constantly evolving advertising and media landscape, including digital trends.
Long Hours: Campaign deadlines may require extended work hours, including evenings and weekends.
Budget Constraints: Balancing creative aspirations with budget limitations can be challenging.

How to become an Advertising Manager

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in advertising, marketing, communications, or a related field is commonly required. Some positions may prefer or require a master's degree, especially in competitive markets or for higher-level roles.

High school preparation

Courses:

Business Studies: Introduces basic principles of marketing and advertising.
Art and Design: Helpful for understanding visual aesthetics and creative process in advertising.
Computer Science: Essential in the modern advertising landscape, especially for digital and online marketing.
English and Communication: Develops skills in writing, critical thinking, and effective communication.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

School Newspaper or Yearbook: Experience in advertising sales, layout design, or content creation.
Art or Photography Clubs: Develops creative skills relevant to advertising.
Debate or Public Speaking Clubs: Enhances persuasive communication skills.

Preparation after high school

Bachelor's Degree: A degree in advertising, marketing, communications, or related fields is often required.
Internships: Valuable hands-on experience in advertising agencies or marketing departments.
Portfolio Development: Building a portfolio of work, including any personal or freelance projects, is crucial for showcasing skills and creativity.
Networking: Joining professional organizations like the American Advertising Federation (AAF) for networking and professional development.

More resources

American Advertising Federation (AAF) - Provides professional development, networking opportunities, and resources for advertising professionals.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - A tool for career exploration and job analysis in advertising and related fields.
Advertising Age - Offers industry news, trends, and analysis in advertising, marketing, and media.
American Marketing Association (AMA) - Provides resources, training, and networking opportunities for marketing and advertising professionals.
Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) - Offers insights, standards, and educational resources on digital advertising.
The Drum - Provides global marketing, advertising, and media news and insights.

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