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Advertising Workers

Education and Training Requirements

High School

You can prepare for a career as an advertising worker by taking a variety of courses at the high-school level. General liberal arts courses, such as English, journalism, communications, economics, psychology, speech, business, social science, and mathematics are important for aspiring advertising employees. In addition, those interested in the creative side of the field should take such classes as art, drawing, graphic design, illustration, and art history. Finally, since computers play a vital role in the advertising field, you should become familiar with word processing and layout programs, as well as online advertising.

Postsecondary Training

The American Association of Advertising Agencies notes that most agencies employing entry-level personnel prefer college graduates. Copywriters are best prepared with a college degree in English, journalism, or communications; research workers need college training in statistics, market research, and social studies; and most account executives have business or related degrees. Media positions increasingly require a college degree in communications or a technology-related area. Media directors and research directors with a master's degree have a distinct advantage over those with only an undergraduate degree. Some research department heads even have doctorates.

While the requirements from agency to agency may vary somewhat, graduates of liberal arts colleges or those with majors in fields such as communications, journalism, business administration, or marketing research are preferred. Good language skills, as well as a broad liberal arts background, are necessary for advertising workers. College students interested in the field should therefore take such courses as English, writing, art, philosophy, foreign languages, social studies, sociology, psychology, economics, mathematics, statistics, advertising, and marketing. Some 900 degree-granting institutions throughout the United States offer specialized majors in advertising as part of their curriculum.

Other Education or Training

The American Association of Advertising Agencies offers the Institute of Advanced Advertising Studies. The multi-week program is designed for professionals with between one and five years of experience. "For new professionals, it’s an opportunity to learn new ways of thinking and gain an enhanced ability to work virtually in a team environment," the organization explains.

The Graphic Artists Guild offers webinars and other continuing education opportunities that help graphic artists grow their businesses.

The Interactive Advertising Bureau offers in-depth classes in a variety of categories, including introduction to retail media, digital fundamentals, driving business with data science, and introduction to direct brands. Some classes are aimed at preparing students for certification exams.