Overview
Advertising account executives act as the main point of contact between an advertising agency or media company and its clients. They communicate with the client to understand their advertising needs, budget, target audience and market competition. The account executive then liaises with colleagues, including media planners and designers, to build the appropriate advertising campaign.
Duties and responsibilities
- Meet with clients to discuss current and future campaigns
- Research the client’s services, competition and market
- Negotiate and define campaign budgets and timescales with clients
- Write briefs and report to creative department
- Ensure projects are on time and within budget
- Report on progress to the client
- Present proposals and creative work to the client
- Tend to administrative duties like records and invoices
Skills and knowledge
Working conditions
AVERAGE WORKING HOURS
40hweek
TYPICAL SCHEDULE
Full Time
Evenings occasionally
Advertising account executives are employed in the corporate office of an advertising company or media agency. They often travel for meetings with clients and partners; they sometimes might even travel abroad.
The work environment of an account executive can be high-pressured and competitive as it sometimes involves meeting tight deadlines. You may also be required to work long hours and occasionally on evenings.
Salary prospects
BOTTOM 10%
$57k
MEDIAN
$120k
TOP 10%
$210k
Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.
Entry requirements
EDUCATION LEVEL
Undergraduate
BA in advertising or related field
TRAINING TIME
4years
Advertising account executives require a bachelor’s degree in either advertising, communications, journalism, marketing, business or accounting. Most agencies will prefer a candidate with a master’s degree in one of these fields, as it demonstrates more experience and a higher qualification.
While training is sometimes offered on the job, agencies will consider it a plus if you have previous work experience in sales, advertising, market or advertising research.
Job outlook
PROJECTED GROWTH
5%
NEW JOBS
1.7k
AUTOMATION RISK
4%
Career advancement
An advertising account executive may progress to higher positions within an organisation such as account manager or account director. With enough experience and knowledge, they may also advance to a client services director, who oversees the entire account management department.
With enough networking, experience and budget, some advertising account executives move on to open their own advertising agencies. Others choose to work on a freelance basis.