Cool Job of the Month

Advertising Copywriting

Do you often think of catchy phrases or jingles to common household items? Are you persuasive when you want something? Perhaps you should consider a career in Advertising Copywriting.

Why it's cool

• Copywriters are usually involved in an advertising campaign which includes writing all of the advertising related to the product. This would include posters, press releases, leaflets, brochures, websites, and radio or television scripts.
• Meet actors and models as part of casting for commercials and advertisements.
• One of the fastest growing industries. As media changes so does this profession.
• Never boring. This is a fast-paced career. Most copy-writers work on several interesting projects simultaneously.

Requirements for the Job

• Good research skills and marketing sense.
• Having a sense of humor and ability to take things in stride.
• Able to write creatively and persuasively.
• Multitasking. Working on several different projects at once.
• Outstanding proofreading skills.

Education/Training

Most advertising copywriter positions require at least a bachelor degree in advertising, marketing, communications, English, journalism, psychology, media studies or other business courses. Even though most copywriters do have a Master's degree in one of the areas of study mentioned above employers are more impressed with work experience and a great portfolio than the level of education.

Experience is key in the advertising field. When it comes to profit companies do not want to take big risks. It is imperative to complete an internship during your post-secondary schooling to prove to future employers that you can do the job. Some smaller companies hire recent graduates to do small projects. Take advantage of these opportunities to gain experience and get your "foot in the door".

Having a strong portfolio full of your most creative and outstanding ideas is also important. Employers need to see the quality of your work. Don't be afraid to use school projects (only those that you did exceptionally well in), creations you may have completed during any internships and those completed at other jobs. As you gain experience and your projects improve, don't forget to update your portfolio. It may come in handy later.

Career Path/Average Salaries

The median annual salary for copywriters is $38,063US or $41,100CND. This can change dramatically from state to state or the level of experience, and as your career progresses.

Related Occupations

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• Author
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• Biographer
• Self-instruction Manuals Writer
• Crossword Puzzle Maker
• New Media Writer

JVIS Report

• You should consider this job if you score above average on the following Basic Interest Scales: Sales, Author-Journalism, and Stamina.
• Your JVIS Report should show one or all of the following occupation groups under your "Top 3": Occupations in Writing, Sales Occupations, and Occupations in Merchandising.

For more information contact:

• American Marketing Association
  311 South Wacker Drive, Suite 5800
  Chicago, IL 60606
  Tel: (800) AMA-1150
  www.marketingpower.com/
• Business Marketing Association
  400 North Michigan Avenue, 15th Floor
  Chicago, IL 60611
  Tel: (800) 664-4BMA
  www.marketing.org/
• Canadian Marketing Association
  1 Concorde Gate, Suite 607
  Don Mills, ON M3C 3N6
  Tel: (416) 391-2362
  www.the-cma.org/
• Mediaweek Magazine Online
  770 Broadway, 7th Floor
  New York, NY 10003
  Tel: (646) 654-7601
  http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/index.jsp