The Journey to a Career in Advertising: Insights for Fresh Graduates

Whether you've graduated with a top school degree in marketing or advertising, the path to a successful career in this dynamic industry is steep. Unlike the case for other professions, a theoretical knowledge alone might not suffice. Instead, the key lies in hands-on experience and practical application of what you've learned.

The Importance of Hands-On Experience

To kick-start your career in marketing or advertising, there are two primary options. First, you can join an advertising firm as a junior staff member. Alternatively, you can start as part of the marketing team in any organization. While stepping into these roles might seem daunting, it's crucial to understand that building experience is a long-term process. Generally, it takes 2 to 3 years of consistent work to develop the necessary skills to call yourself an expert.

Making Your First Move

If you are looking to add relevant work experience to your resume, an internship might be the perfect fit. For example, Consumerchoice is currently still hiring more interns! If you are interested, you can send your resume to internship@

Exploring PGDM Programs in Marketing and Digital Marketing

Another route to success in the advertising and marketing industry is through a Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) in either Marketing or Digital Marketing. Here’s why PGDM in Digital Marketing might be worth considering, especially if you are new to the field.

Benefits of PGDM in Digital Marketing

Wide Range of Career Options: Whether you aim to work in traditional marketing or digital marketing, a PGDM in Digital Marketing prepares you for a diverse range of roles. Higher Market Value: As a PGDM graduate, your market value increases, making you more attractive to potential employers. High Salary Packages: You can expect lucrative starting salaries that can exceed those of beginners in other fields. Enhancing Your Skills and Creativity: The curriculum focuses on enhancing your skills and fostering creativity in a highly competitive field. Industry-centric Course Design: The courses are designed to be relevant to the industry, ensuring you are well-prepared for real-world challenges. Choice of Specialization: You can specialize in areas that interest you, such as social media marketing or content marketing. Lucrative Placement Offer: Many PGDM programs offer lucrative placement opportunities to help you secure your first job. Better Exposure: You gain comprehensive exposure to various aspects of digital marketing. Mentoring by Seasoned Faculty Members: Receive guidance from experienced professionals who have a wealth of industry knowledge. Easy Financing for Courses: Many programs offer flexible financing options to make education more accessible. Multipurpose Skill Sets: Develop a range of skills that are valuable in the advertising industry.

Personal Insights from Years Past

My journey into the advertising world began in 2007. Without any prior experience in advertising, I delved into studying newspaper ads and created a series of ads for brands like MasterCard, Standard Chartered, and Mutual Fund. My efforts resulted in a presentation that was possibly the worst PowerPoint ever made. Despite these hurdles, I highlighted the work ethic, dedication, and learn-as-you-go attitude that is vital in the field. Employers in those times were looking for genuine passion and willingness to learn.

Fast forward to 2016, the landscape of the advertising industry has significantly changed. With many young professionals pursuing digital marketing courses, it has become increasingly challenging to stand out. It’s essential to have a strong portfolio and study the works of successful copywriters. Books like 'The Copy Book' by Michael du Plessis offer invaluable insights into the creative process of successful copywriters.

Launching Your Career: Tips for New Grads

Study Great Ads: Analyze successful ads to understand effective strategies and copywriting techniques. Apply at Portfolio Night: Attend portfolio nights to showcase your work. Create Cold Calls: Don’t hesitate to make cold calls and submit your portfolio to potential employers. Attention-Grabbing Resumes: Craft a standout resume and find creative ways to share it with potential employers. Networking: Engage in networking events and connect with professionals in the industry.

I hope these insights help guide you on your journey to a successful career in advertising. Remember, perseverance and a hands-on approach will lead you to where you want to be.

Final Thoughts

Good luck, and embrace the challenges that come with starting your advertising career!