10 Ways to Get a Job at an Ad Agency

Working in advertising is rewarding and challenging. But for many people just starting out, the challenge seems to be getting that first big break into an ad agency's door. There are many ways youcan overcome that barrier and land a job at an advertising agency.1. Intern Agencies look at interns as potential employees. If you have the opportunity to intern, by all means, you should.Interning will help you get an "in" to the agency but you'll also beable to work in various areas you wouldn't otherwise. Speak up andlet the agency know you're eager and willing to learn to get themost out of your internship. The experience you gain as an intern isinvaluable and could lead to a permanent position.2Take an Entry Level PositionIt would be nice to walk right into a corner office with a view,plop down in your leather chair and start working with big nameclients. Of course, it doesn't work that way in the real world.Many people have successfully started their career in advertising bytaking any job in an agency and working their way up. Don't beafraid to work outside of your job description. Get in there andlearn everything you can. If you're unable to move up within thatparticular agency, you can still use that experience to get you ajob somewhere else.3. FreelanceIf you're interested in being a copywriter or graphic designer,consider freelancing as a way to get into the business. Coming upwith your own rates, your own campaign to advertise yourself andapproaching small businesses and even agencies are all tools you canuse in your agency job hunt.4. Create SPEC ADSSPEC ADS are simply your version of a published ad. You might thinkthat you can do better than a major automaker's print ads running inyour favorite magazine. Or your local barber shop's newspaper adsmight need some reworking.SPEC ADS are known in the industry as work you've done on your own.It's basically pretend copywriting or graphic design but if you haveno published work, it's vital to showing your talent.5. Contact Radio and Television StationsMany radio and TV stations have employees who specifically writecommercials. They may also produce certain types of shows for thestation. This is a great opportunity for you to get started in thebusiness.Since most radio and TV stations don't pay very much for these typesof positions, there's both a high turnover and an opportunity forpeople with little or no experience to break into the field6. SchoolingGetting an education in advertising doesn't just apply to collegestudents. If you're serious about working in an agency, you canlearn a lot by taking a course.This doesn't necessarily mean you have to pack up and move to yourclosest advertising school. The Internet has given so many peoplethe opportunity to learn about advertising and what it takes to makeit in the business from the comfort of their own home.7. Introduce YourselfIf you're looking for a position on the creative side ofadvertising, write a letter to the Creative Director. Introduceyourself in a friendly, professional tone and give a brief bio.Be sure you find out who the Creative Director is and not justaddress your letter: "To Whom It May Concern." You want to approachthis person just as you would a friend so get their name and thespelling right.You can follow up in a few weeks with an additional letter or youcan give the Creative Director a call.Just don't cold call them first. Anyone in an agency is going to bebusy and especially someone in a management position who is jugglingmany projects at once.8. NetworkLook for opportunities to meet with people in your area that areactively working in the industry. Many cities have local advertisingclubs that sponsor special events, educational seminars andprofessional workshops. Get out there and meet the people who couldbe your next potential employer.9. Work in SalesThere's a big difference between advertising and sales but being anaccount executive at a car dealership, for example, can help youbridge the gap between no experience and working in an agency.10. EnthusiasmAre you passionate about working in advertising? Really passionate?Do you see commercials on TV and think:"I could do so much better than that!"Are you a hard worker that's willing to commit to the job, even whenthat means you're working well past the typical 9-5?These are just some of the questions you have to really evaluate ifyou want to pursue a career in advertising. If you can honestlysay, "Yes, absolutely," then you need to convey that to a potentialemployer.Even in this day and age of hustle and bustle, employers are excitedto see someone with genuine passion and enthusiasm. There's a reasonthey got into the field and your energy is a reminder of that.People with a lot of experience have still been beaten out of thejob by someone with less experience but a lot of heart.

- Boby Galih -