From Surf excel’s “Daag ache hai” to Mentos’s “Dimaag Ki Batti Jala De” we have all laughed, shared, and bought these products after watching the commercials. Ever wanted to create one such famous Ad of your own?
Becoming an Advertiser can make this wish come true! It is not a simple one-way road. The advertising industry is considered as one of the most fast-paced and competitive fields. We have some information that might help you get started in the right direction.
The article will cover how to become an advertiser, the educational qualification and job preparation required, the best courses and colleges you can apply to in India and abroad, and finally the top recruiters and salary insights.
Who is an Advertiser?
An advertiser is a person or an organization that uses traditional and digital media to market a brand, product, or service creatively and compelling way. They are creative professionals that create, market and promote products in a positive manner by studying the market needs and product reach.
Learn more: 10 Careers in Advertising with the Best Future Scope
How to Become an Advertiser
No matter which department of advertising you wish to thrive in, they all demand skills such as problem-solving, creativity and spontaneity. Getting a bachelor’s degree would be the right step to begin your career as an advertiser.
Step 1: Stream to select
There is no restriction on the choice of field if you want to be an advertiser. One can choose arts, science or commerce after the completion of Grade 10. Post Grade 12, one can pursue an undergraduate degree in advertising, marketing, communication, public relations, fine arts, journalism, etc. or related fields.
Step 2: Certification Courses & Project Courses
Certificate courses are a great way to learn about specific skills or areas of interest in advertising. It also depicts a learning effort from the candidate to upskill themselves.
Certificate courses can be pursued during or after graduation, that is, once you have identified or experienced the technicalities of the field. Here are a few certificate courses you can try:
Name of the course | Duration |
Digital Advertising Strategy by University of Colorado | 3- 6 months |
Meta Social Media Marketing | 3- 6 months |
Integrated Marketing Communications: Advertising, Public Relations, Digital Marketing and more | 11 hours |
Want to gain hand on experience in creating an Ad? Check out the Clever Harvey JuniorMBA in Advertising with Domino’s!
Step 3: Educational Qualifications
As mentioned previously, a diploma or undergraduate degree in advertising, journalism, marketing, communication, or related fields can help you to become an advertiser or a specific sect of advertising.
How to become an Advertiser after 12th
Undergraduate courses in Advertising are available in both online and offline mode. You’ll learn skills such as critical evaluation, message development, research testing, etc.
- To become an advertiser In India after 12th
In order to be eligible to apply for an undergraduate advertising or related course, you need to have a score of a minimum of 55% in 10 + 2 Grade or equivalent from a recognized board and institution.
Apart from the score criteria, a few universities conduct entrance exams and interviews for these courses.
- Diploma courses In India
Name of the course | Duration |
Diploma in Public Relations and Advertising | 1 year |
Diploma in Advertising and Marketing Communication | 1 – 2 years |
Diploma in Advertising (Public Relations and Business Studies) | 1 year |
Diploma in the aspects of media, marketing and events | 1 – 2 years |
Diploma in Advertising and Brand Communication | 1 year |
- UG courses in India to become an advertiser
Name of the course | Duration |
BA in Advertising | 3 years |
B.Com in Advertising and Brand Management | 3 years |
Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication | 3 years |
Bachelors in Media Management | 3 years |
Bachelors in Mass Media | 3 years |
- Top colleges in India to become an advertiser
Name of the Institution | Location |
Indian Institute of Mass Communication – [IIMC] | New Delhi |
Xavier Institute of Communications – [XIC] | Mumbai |
Jahawhar Lal Nehru University – [JNU] | Delhi |
IIS (deemed to be university) – [IISU], | Jaipur |
Jaipur National University | Jaipur |
Christ (Deemed to be University) | Banglore |
MICA | Ahmedabad |
Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication | Pune |
Film and Television Institute of India | Pune |
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies | Mumbai |
- To become an advertiser abroad after 12th
The eligibility criteria for bachelors in advertising and related courses are:
- Minimum 55% in 10 + 2 Grade or equivalent from a recognized university and board.
- The qualifying score in IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- UG courses Abroad (Course-Duration table)
Name of the course | Duration |
Bachelor in Marketing and Advertising | 3 years |
BA (Hons) Advertising and Marketing | 3 years |
Bachelor in Graphic Design – Advertising | 3 years |
BA (Hons) Advertising and Brand Design | 3 years |
Bachelor in Public Relations and Advertising | 3 years |
- Top colleges to become an advertiser abroad
Name of the Institution | Location |
University of Lincoln | UK |
University of Texas at Austin | Austin, Texas |
Brigham Young University | Utah |
The University of Georgia | United States |
Syracuse University | New York |
Michigan State University | United States |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | United States |
University of Alabama | Birmingham, US |
Drake University | United States |
Trinity Western University | Canada |
Also read: Career as a Journalist
Step 4: Job Prep required to become an Advertiser
- Internships:
To understand how business and advertising agencies function, it is essential to apply to get in-field experience. Internships are a great way to put your academic knowledge to practical use.
In the ever-competitive world of advertising, candidates with experience in advertising agencies are preferred. Many of the agencies even hire their interns for full-time positions after their graduation.
- Portfolio creation:
Portfolios are essential for advertisers to portray their skills and experiences. Depending on your preferred service to the agency, highlight and present works, copies and samples. Identify your niche and apply for entry-level jobs in advertising and work your way up.
- Freelance:
Yes, you can be a freelance advertiser based on your role. It will also give you the scope of working on multiple projects.
4) Tools:
Few of the tools that might be helpful for you:
i) 3D Animation: Photoshop CS6, 3ds Max, Mari 2.0v2, Unity Pro 4, Premiere Pro CC, Adobe Illustrator CC
ii) Graphic design: Serif DrawPlus, Corel Draw Home & Student Suite, Corel PaintShop Pro, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Xara
Read more: Career in Graphic Design in India
Skills to become an Advertiser
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving
- Goal oriented
- Technical skills
- Innovation
- Research skills
- Data analysis
- Adaptable
Salary for an Advertiser
The salary of an advertiser differs based on their job role. As a profession that demands a thorough understanding of marketing and business, it is a field that is flooded with potential candidates.
Salary in India for an Advertiser
According to payscale, talent, the salary of advertisers in India are as follows:
Job role | Promotion Manager | Film & Video Editor | Marketing Manager | Copy Writer |
Avg. Salary/year | 3.8 LPA | 3.4 LPA | 7.4 LPA | 4.2 LPA |
Salary abroad for an Advertiser
The average annual salary of an Advertiser abroad is as follows:
Country | USA(in dollars) | UK(in pounds) | France(in euros) | Australia(in Australian dollars) | Canada(in Canadian dollars) |
Avg. Salary/year | $65,442 | £32,500 | 60,000 EUR | $89,710 | $57,415 |
Top recruiters in India
- Crayons Advertising
- Fountainhead Digital
- Fortune Communications
- JWT India
- Hakuhodo Percept
- Jelitta Publicity
- Seagull Advertising
- Red Fuse Communications
- Aquarius Promotions
- Urja Communications
Top recruiters abroad
- Ogilvy & Mather
- MullenLowe U.S.
- McCann Worldgroup
- Publicis Groupe
- Dentsu (Japan)
- Havas Group
- Grey Global
- Droga 5
- BBDO
- Y and R (Young & Rubicam)
Prior to the rapid advancements in technology, careers in advertising were only available in the print, television, and radio industries. However, the scenario has changed and there are different roles in advertising that are always in demand. Almost all companies are dependent on advertising, therefore the field is expected to grow furthermore.
FAQs about how to become an Advertiser
Who is an Advertiser?
An advertiser is a person or an organization that uses traditional and digital media to market a brand, product, or service creatively and compelling way.
What should I study to become an Advertiser?
Post Grade 12, one can pursue an undergraduate degree in advertising, marketing, communication, public relations, fine arts, journalism, etc. or related fields.
Is internship required to become an Advertiser?
Yes, to understand how business and advertising agencies function, it is crucial to apply to get in-field experience.
What are the interpersonal skills required to become an Advertiser?
Communication skills, Problem-solving, Goal oriented, Persuasive, adaptable, etc.
Can I become a Freelance Advertiser?
Yes, you can be a freelance advertiser based on your role. It will also give you the scope of working on multiple projects