How to Become an Advertising Manager?
Discover the path to becoming an Advertising Manager and explore the skills, qualifications, and career prospects in this exciting industry.

In this Career Outline

Introduction to Advertising Manager
“The aim of marketing is to know and understand the customer so well the product or service fits him and sells itself." - Peter Drucker
Have you ever wondered who creates those catchy ads that make you stop scrolling? Meet the Advertising Manager—the mastermind behind compelling campaigns that capture hearts and minds. With the rise of digital marketing, the role of an Advertising Manager has never been more crucial. This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming an Advertising Manager, including educational paths, essential skills, and career opportunities.
Steps to Become an Advertising Manager:
Step-1
Start by obtaining a bachelor's degree in fields such as Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or Advertising. This builds a fundamental understanding of consumer behavior, marketing principles, and business management.
Step-2
Entry-level positions in advertising, marketing, sales, or related fields can provide valuable experience. Internships during college can also be beneficial to gain practical knowledge and industry exposure.
Step-3
While not always required, a master's degree in Marketing, Advertising, or Business Administration (MBA) can enhance your credentials and deepen your knowledge in strategic marketing, consumer psychology, and management.
Step-4
Cultivate skills such as creativity, strategic thinking, communication (both verbal and written), project management, and analytical ability. These skills are crucial for effectively managing advertising campaigns and teams.
Step-5
Showcase your work, including successful campaigns, strategies, and outcomes. A portfolio demonstrates your capabilities to potential employers and clients.
Step-6
The advertising landscape is constantly evolving with digital advancements and consumer behavior shifts. Keep updated on current trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in advertising and marketing.
Step-7
Build professional relationships within the industry through networking events, conferences, and online platforms. Look for opportunities to advance your career, such as promotions within your current organization or seeking managerial roles in larger firms.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria | Description |
---|---|
Eligibility | Minimum 50% aggregate in 12th from a recognized board. Various colleges may have different cutoffs. |
Educational Background | Strong foundation in business, marketing, or communication |
Undergraduate Degree | Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or related fields/td> |
Postgraduate Degree | MBA or Master's in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field |
Entrance Exams | GMAT, GRE, or specific university entrance exams |
- Minimum 50% aggregate required in 12th grade from a recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.). Specific cut-off margins vary among colleges.
- A Bachelor’s degree in Media Management, Advertising, Brand Management, or Marketing Communication is essential for aspiring Advertising Managers. No entrance exams after 12th are required.
- To become an Academic Content Writer, a degree in B.A/B.Com, or a relevant diploma/certification from a recognized institution is necessary.
- An M.A/M.Com in Advertising is advantageous for those pursuing advanced degrees and deeper knowledge in the field.

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Tasks to perform as an Advertising Manager:
Knowledge & Skills Required
Advertising managers need a diverse set of competencies to excel in their roles. Below are the essential knowledge areas and skill sets required for success in this field:
Knowledge Required | |
---|---|
Understanding of fundamental marketing concepts such as segmentation, targeting, positioning, and marketing mix to develop effective advertising strategies. | Knowledge of consumer psychology and behavior to create advertisements that resonate with target audiences and drive engagement and sales. |
Familiarity with various media channels (digital, print, broadcast, social media, etc.) and their effectiveness in reaching target demographics and achieving campaign goals. | Awareness of current trends in advertising, including digital marketing innovations, content marketing strategies, and influencer marketing. |
Ability to analyze marketing data and metrics to evaluate the performance of advertising campaigns, optimize strategies, and make data-driven decisions. | Application of behavioral economics principles and understanding of cultural influences, societal trends, and ethical considerations that impact consumer decision-making and brand perceptions. |
Skills Required | |
---|---|
Creativity | Project Management |
Communication | Analytical Thinking |
Leadership | Negotiation |
Digital Literacy | Strategic Thinking |

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Job roles offered for an Advertising Manager:
Once you qualify as an Advertising Manager, numerous career paths and projects become available to you within this field and beyond:
Supervises initiatives within an organization, managing administrative tasks, procurement, finances, and interdepartmental communications. Requires a bachelor's degree in journalism, business, or advertising, along with creative skills and effective communication abilities across various fields like marketing and economics.
Focuses on maintaining and enhancing a company's brand identity through strategic planning and brand promotion. Works in-house or for agencies, ensuring consistency in branding across advertisements. Responsibilities overlap with advertisers, strategic coordinators, and merchandising directors depending on the organization.
Guides and mentors a sales team, establishing targets, delivering training, and supervising sales strategies. Often transitions from other roles, necessitating strong communication skills to effectively convey strategies between sales teams and management.
Coordinates marketing campaigns across various channels like broadcast, television, and social media to establish a positive brand image. Manages teams to meet tight deadlines, make informed decisions, and utilize computer programs effectively.

Not sure where you fit in?
With countless career options, choosing the right path can be tough. Analysis and guidance sessions help clarify what to study, pursue, and achieve.
Career opportunities in Advertising Manager:
Advertising Managers can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:
Cisco Systems | HCL Technologies | |
Bluestream Software Solution | Bain & Company | GAIL |
Adobe | Proptiger | Reliance Brands |
Netflix |
Colleges offering courses in Advertising
Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:
IIMC - Indian Institute of Mass Communication | Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University |
Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies | Bangalore University |
Pearl Academy, Jaipur | AAFT - Asian Academy of Film and Television |
Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai | Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi |
Indian Institute of Journalism & New Media, Bangalore | Madras Christian College |
End Note
Starting the journey to become an Advertising Manager is both challenging and rewarding. With the right education, skills, and determination, you can thrive in this dynamic industry. For personalized Career counselling after graduation and to connect with experts who can help you achieve your career goals, reach out to SetMyCareer. We're here to guide you at every step of the way.
In this Career Outline
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