Account Manager

Advertising account managers, or executives, act as a link between clients and the advertising agency.

They usually report to an account manager and are responsible for the day-to-day running of their clients' campaigns. They liaise between the client and a range of agency staff in order to coordinate the details of advertising campaigns.

Advertising account executives work closely with their clients throughout campaigns, managing administrative and organisational work, and ensuring that this is completed on time and on budget. The role can involve handling the accounts of three to four clients or, in larger agencies, just one or two accounts.

Typical work activities revolve around the running of advertising campaigns. Tasks typically involve: discussing the products, services and advertising requirements of each particular client; setting up meetings with clients and other agency staff; delegating work to other members of the agency team; working with the account manager to brief media, creative and research staff, and assist with the formulation of marketing strategies; liaising with, and acting as the link between, the client and advertising agency by maintaining regular contact with both, ensuring that communication flows effectively; overseeing the status of advertising campaigns; negotiating with clients and agency staff about the details of campaigns.

They are also involved in: presenting creative work to clients for approval or modification; meeting deadlines and prioritising tasks; handling budgets and managing campaign costs; writing reports, keeping records and financial details; helping to secure new business; undertaking administrative tasks; monitoring the profitability of accounts; managing administration staff (in some cases); becoming familiar with the nature of clients' products, business culture and competition and understanding the possibility of changes to these; monitoring the effectiveness of campaigns; arranging and attending meetings and reporting on key decisions.

Range of typical starting salaries: £13,000 - £24,000. Some graduate training programmes with larger agencies offer tax free ‘golden hellos’ on top of the starting salary figure.

More experienced executives can earn around £30,000 - £35,000, while account directors or business directors can earn around £45,000. Range of typical salaries at senior level (e.g. after 10-15 years in the role): £45,000 - £90,000.

Salaries at all levels will vary greatly based on the size, area of specialisation and geographical location of the agency, and individual performance and experience. Additional benefits such as a car allowance or medical insurance may also be available.

Although this area of work is open to all graduates and Diplomates, a degree or HND/foundation degree in the following subjects may improve your chances: advertising; marketing; communications; English; business/management. A degree or HND is usually required, especially in large agencies.

Entry without a degree or HND but with a proven track record of relevant work experience may be considered, more typically in smaller or specialist agencies. However, graduates are often preferred, so candidates without a degree may have to consider starting at a more junior level.

Pre-entry experience is extremely desirable and an excellent way to gain an understanding of how an agency works, but can prove difficult to get. Undertaking a period of voluntary work is an alternative way of gaining valuable experience. Some larger agencies offer formal work experience/internship programmes, often in the form of 'summer schools'. Details of these companies are usually found on the website of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) . Other work experience in any commercial context could be helpful.

Competition is strong due to the scarcity of jobs and the high standards demanded.

Larger agencies, which have graduate training schemes, will invite applications through their websites. These are usually made early in the autumn term of your final year. Smaller and specialist agencies recruit as vacancies arise, often using specialised websites or recruitment consultancies.

A speculative, targeted application using a focused, attention-grabbing CV and covering letter can also be a good approach. Try to learn as much as possible about advertising and the role of account executives, and then approach an organisation directly.