Advertising is the means of informing as well as influencing the general public to buy products or services through visual or oral messages. A product or service is advertised to create an awareness in the minds of potential buyers. Some of the commonly used media for advertising are T.V., radio, websites, newspapers, magazines, bill-boards, hoardings etc. As a result of economic liberalization and the changing social trends advertising industry has shown rapid growth in the last decade.
Today, new areas are emerging within advertising like event management, image management, internet marketing etc. Event management wherein events are marketed, Image management wherein a a particular profile of an individual or an organisation is projected. Internet marketing has also brought about a lot of changes in advertising as Internet means that one is catering to a select group of audience rather than a mass audience.
Eligibility & Course Areas
Educational: Most advertising agencies recruit candidates with a formal management or advertising/mass communication qualification. Preference is given for MBA's for posts in the market research, client servicing and media planning departments.In the creative department, on the other hand, a general BA with a command of the language of communication plus knowledge of designing packages like Photoshop, coral draw or fine arts is the requirement.
There are also specialized courses in advertising/mass communication at diploma level and post graduate level for which basic qualification is graduation. However, advertising is also offered as a subject for the graduate degree course in mass communication studies at certain institutions for which minimum qualification is 10+2. In addition there are also certificate courses for which 10+2 is enough.
Personal attributes: Basic qualities like creativity and flair for writing or ability to translate ideas into a visual format are required for making a successful career in this field. They should have insight into the interests of people from all walks of life, ability to work as part of team, mental and physical toughness to be able to withstand high pressure and criticism, must be sociable and have calm temperament. Market and media researchers should have an analytical and logical brain. Those in creative field should possess artistic abilities to make the ad appealing to the masses.
Job Prospects & Career Options
Job Prospects
Career opportunities in advertising include openings in private advertising agencies; advertising department in private or public sector companies; in advertising sections of newspapers, journals, magazines; commercial section of radio or television; market research organizations etc. One can also do freelancing.
Career Options
Advertising field offers a range of lucrative, interesting careers. The job in this field is categorized into two, executive and creative. Executive side include Client Servicing, Market Research and Media Research. Creative side consist of copywriters, scriptwriters, visualizers, photographers and typographers.
The executive department understand client needs, find new business and retain existing business, selects the appropriate media, analyzes timing and placement of advertisements and negotiate the financial aspects of the deal. Creative department creates the advertisement copy. They verbalizes and visualizes the specific need of the client.
As ad films are also a part of film making career options of film are related to this field.
Executive Department
Client Servicing
The Client Servicing department is the link between the client and the agency. It is an important part of any advertising firm like what the heart is to the body. This department is responsible for meeting prospective clients and getting business for the company. It involves a study of the client, the product and the market; an analysis of consumer behaviour and marketing; a knowledge of all available media and their cost effectiveness, and a strategic plan to be presented to the client. Those in client servicing must therefore interact with clients, gather information, oversee research where necessary, gauge consumer attitudes and based on this, work along with the various departments of the agency to formulate the most appropriate and effective advertising strategy within the specified budget.
To be an effective client-servicing person, the candidate has to have a thorough knowledge of the client's business and also know his weak points so that, through advertising and communications, the gap can be minimized.
An accounts executive who works in the client servicing department takes care of all the monitory dealings. He should know the most effective way to advertise clients product or service i.e the media and their cost effectiveness. Account executives should also have an idea about market research and target audiences.
Market Research
Every good ad plans, start with research. This is the department which surveys the market and analyzes and studies consumer behavior about a product or service. They are involved with collection of data- information about the consumer, the market, existing competition and so on. The research studies provide basic information to the manufacturer, for planning a new product.
If you are a MBA or hold a degree in statistics/operations research, you can go for market researching jobs.
Media Planning/Research
Responsibility of media planning department starts at the point when the ad is complete. Media Department is responsible for the planning, scheduling, booking and purchase of space and time (in newspapers, magazines, radio and TV, and outdoor hoardings). The media department must therefore devise the most effective use for an advertising budget to effectively and economically transmit a campaign message to the target audience. This department consists of the following:
Media Planners who decide the different media where the ads would be featured in order to get maximum viewer ship.
Media Buyer has to negotiate to buy space in the Press, or time on electronic media at the best rates for which he has to understand the buying as well as selling trends.
Creative Department
The Creative department designs and conceptualizes the advertisement. This consist of copy writing department and art department. Copy writing department works on text for the ad and themes for campaign. Art department visualizes the campaign.
Copywriters
The Copywriter evolves a theme for the campaign and provides the text for advertisements. He is responsible for making the ad look attractive and delivering the message to the point. They work out the campaign slogan, jingles, scripts and promotional literature of the product or service as well as proposals, concept notes and film treatments. They are also expected to edit all textual matter for factual, syntax and typesetting discrepancies before it goes into production. Some times specialists called Typographers are appointed for making the format of textual matter who give advise on fonts, lettering etc.
Copywriters need to have a flair for writing backed up by the knowledge of advertising and oral communication skills, to become successful. They also need to have skill in analyzing clients' needs, and research skills for finding out about the products and services they are helping to sell. Problem-solving and time-management skills are important.
Visualisers
The Visualiasers work on the visual concepts and decide how the ad shall eventually look. They do the overall layout of message including graphics, sketching etc.
Must be artistic. A degree/diploma in commercial arts or fine arts as well as the knowledge of designing software like Photoshop, Pagemaker, Corel Draw etc. are often the required qualifications.
Photographers
Photographers should have an idea about angles and lighting effects. Good technical ability and knowledge of cameras and lenses is essential.
Remuneration
Career in advertising brings attractive remuneration and perquisites. Fresh graduates can start with a salary of Rs. 9,000 - 15,000 per month. While those with MBA's and professional training in advertising can get salaries ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 per month. Salary of a successful advertising person you can be around 30,000 to 50,000 per month depending on the advertising agency or company.
INSTITUTES & COURSES - PG COURSES IN ADVERTISING
ADVERTISING CLUB: Advertising Club Carex Centre, II Floor, 713 Anna Salai, Chennai 600 006(T.N.) (Ph 28522214 Fax: 28555339) offers a course specially designed to incorporate all that takes to face the challenging pace of information explosion that has completely altered the game plans of Advertising and Marketing.The courses are of three semesters, stretching over 9 months, 5 evening a week, followed by practical exposure in well-known marketing organizations and ad agencies.
BHARATI VIDYA BHAWAN'S SARDAR PATEL COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION & MANAGEMENT:Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi 110001 (Ph 23389942, 23386617, 23070911, 23389942 Fax: 23382003 Email bhavidya@del2.vsnl.net.in Website www.bvbdelhi.org ) offers one year course in Marketing & Advertising.
CENTRE FOR IMAGE MANAGEMENT STUDIES: Image House, D-126, Sector 40, Noida, offers PG Diploma in Advertising, Public Relations and Journalism.
DEVI AHILYA VISHWAVIDYALAYA: 'Nalanda Parisar', 169 Ravindra Nath Tagore Marg, Indore 452001 offers PG Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations. Further details can be had from the University. Also offers Master of Advt. and Public Relations Management.
GURU JAMBHESHWAR UNIVERSITY: Hisar 125001 (Haryana) offers P.G. Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations.
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MASS COMMUNICATION (IIMC): Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg, J.N.U. New Campus, New Delhi 110067 offers Post-graduate diploma courses in Advertising and Public Relations. Duration : 9 months.
MUDRA INSTITUTE OF COMMUNICATIONS (MICA): Shela, Ahmedabad 380058 (Ph +91 - 2717-237946-51 Fax: 237945 E-mail: admissions@mica.ac.in,Website: www.mica-india.net) offers 2-year full-time PG programme in Communications Management (Specialisation in Brand Marketing, Advertising Media Management and Marketing Research.
It also offers Creative Advertising with specialization in Copywriting & Art Direction Eligibility : 3 years bachelor's degree in any discipline. For Art Direction participants, bachelor's degree or its equivalent in Fine Arts/ Applied Arts is a must. Selection: Based on the performance in the pre-admittance assignment given in the brochure.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVERTISING:204/5, Lane W4D, Western Avenue, Sainik Farms, Khanpur, New Delhi 110062 (Ph 91-11-55656490, 55656491, 55656492 Fax: 2656832 Email: admissions@niaindia.org Website: www.niaindia.org ) offers the following courses: 2 years full-time PG Diploma in Marketing Communication Management (PGDMCM) and 1-year full-time Post Graduate Diploma in Advertising and Communication (PGDAC).
MUDRA INSTITUTE OF COMMUNICATION AND NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DESIGN: Offers short-term Programme in Creative Advertising with specialization in Copywriting & Art Direction.
PSG INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT : Peelamedu, Coimbatore 641004, offers 1 year full-time Post Graduate Programme in Advertising & Communications.
Eligibility : Graduate in any discipline from a recognized University, final year student may also apply. Selection: is made on the basis of past academic performance and interview. Candidates may obtain the application form from the PG programme coordinator. Last Date: June
RAJENDRA PRASAD INSTITUTE OF COMMUNICATION AND MANAGEMENT: Kulapati, K.M.Munshi Marg, Mumbai 400 007 offers PG Diploma in Advertising.
RANGSHILP SCHOOL OF PERFORMANCE ARTS: (Regd.) 302, Ganga Plaza, Begum Bridge Road, Meerut (U.P.) (Ph 98370 27075) offers 1-year Diploma in Media Management. (Seats 30)
Eligibility: Graduation (10+2+3)
SOPHIA B.K.S. POLYTECHNIC: Pedder Road, Mumbai 400 026 offers Diploma in Advertising to graduates.
UNIVERSITY OF DELHI: University of Delhi, Delhi 110007 offers Advertising, Sales promotion & Sales management as one of the vocational subjects at B.A. Pass level in the following colleges.
- Delhi College of Arts & Commerce, Netaji Nagar, Delhi 110023
- Kamla Nehru College (W) Khel Gaon Marg, New Delhi 110017
- Vivekananda College (W), Vivek Vihar, Shahdara, Delhi 110095
- Janki Devi Mahavidyalaya (W), Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Marg, New Delhi 110060
- Lakshmibai College (W), Ashok Vihar, Delhi 110052
- Shyam Lal College (Eve.), Shahdara, Delhi.
SCHOOL OF ADVERTISING AND COMMUNICATION:
Eligibility: Graduate.
SCHOOL OF COMUNICATION MANAGEMENT STUDIES: Cochin University, Thevar House, Cochin 682133 (Kerala) offers 1 year PG diploma in Advertising.
Eligibility: Graduate in any discipline
SHRI VILE PARLE KELAVANI MANDAL'S NARSEE MONJEE INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES (NMIMS): V.L. Mehta Rd., Vile Parle (W), Mumbai 400056 (Phone 6134577/6183688 Fax 6114512) offers 2-year Full-time Diploma in Advertising & Marketing.
Eligibility: Bachelor's degree with minimum 50% marks in any discipline. Candidates awaiting final year results eligible to appear for the admission test. Last date: November. Hostel facilities available for male & female candidates.
SYMBIOSIS INSTITUTE OF MASS COMMUNICATION (SIMC): 4, Senapati Bapat Road, Pune 411004 (Ph: 91-20-25652303, 25660972 Fax: 91-20-25674664 Email: admission@ simc.edu Website: www.Simc.edu ) offers 2 years autonomous Postgraduate Programme in Mass communication (Journalism, Audiovisual Communication/ Communication Management (Advertising, PR/ Corporate communication).
Eligibility : Graduates from any stream. Last date: January.
THE ADVERTISING ACADEMY: BE-303,Ist Floor, Hair Nagar, (Opp MIG Flats, Mayapuri) New Delhi 110064 (Ph : 51360568 Fax 5403100) offers Advertising & Public Relations courses for those who have qualified 10+2.
YWCA INSTITUTE OF MASS MEDIA STUDIES: New Delhi and Mumbai offers PG Diploma in Advertising (part - time).
ADVERTISING COURSES BY DISTANCE EDUCATION
ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY:Directorate of Distance Education, Annamalai Nagar 608002 (ph 22610 [Chidambaram] Fax 04144 - 22987) offers One -year P.G. Diploma in advertising.
Eligibility: Graduates. Admission is made on All India basis. Notification: April / May. Last date: June / July.
GURU JAMBHESHWAR UNIVERSITY : State Technical University, Directorate of Distance Education, Hisar 125001 (Haryana) (website www.gju. ernet.in) offers PG Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations.
Eligibility: Graduate. Duration: Minimum 1 year and Maximum 2 years. Commencement July. Last date: June. Date of exam June.
INSTITUTE OF COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT:212 Amulya Complex, Post Box No. 3266, RT Nagar, Bangalore 560032 (Karnataka) offers PG Diploma and Diploma course in Advertising Management.
Eligibility: Degree and 10+2 respectively (Final year students are eligible).
KISHINCHAND CHELLARAM (K.C) COLLEGE : Dinshaw Wachha Road Churchgate, Mumbai 400020 (Ph : 22875946, 22855726) offers Diploma in Advertising & Public Relations.
Eligibility: Graduation.
MADURAI KAMARAJ UNIVERSITY: Directorate of Distance Education, University Building, Palkalainagar, Madurai 625021 (Ph 858471-75 Fax 0452-859185) offers 2 - year MA in advertising & Public Relations courses by Correspondence.
Eligibility : Graduate. Notification: June. Last date: July.
NEW INSTITUTE OF ADVERTISING: 204 / 5 Lane W4 - D , Sainik Farms, Western Avenue, Near Khanpur , New Delhi 110062 (website www.niaindia.org ) offers one year full time program in Advertising and Communications (PGDAC).
PUNJABI UNIVERSITY: Patiala 147002 (Punjab) offers PG Diploma in Advertising (Correspondence).
THE PISCEAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES & RESEARCH: B-8, Doll Apartments, Bhatt- Lane, Poisar, Kandivali (West), Mumbai 40067 (Ph 28615238) offers Correspondence Courses in PG Dip. in Advertising & Public Relation Management.
Eligibility: Graduate.
974/1, Dakha Plaza, Arya Samaj Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi 110005 (Phone 5762219,5761099,5713464 Fax 5713466) offers 18 months PG Diploma in the following subjects field: Advertising, Public Relations, Communication & graphic Arts.