Advertising Managers

Most advertising management and top executive positions are filled by experienced lower-level workers who have displayed valuable skills such as leadership, self-confidence, creativity, motivation, decisiveness, and flexibility. In smaller firms, advancement to a management position may come slowly, while promotions may occur more quickly in larger firms. Many managers are former purchasing agents, sales representatives, buyers, products, advertising, promotions, or public relations specialists.

Advancement may be accelerated by participating in advanced training programs sponsored by industry and trade associations or enrolling in local universities' continuing education programs. The firm sometimes pays for these programs. Managers committed to improving their knowledge of the field and related disciplines—especially computer information systems—will have the best opportunities for advancement. Advertising managers can advance to become top executives (chief executive officer, etc.) or open their firms. Others become college professors.