Beginning a Career in the Creative Department of an Ad Agency

Concerning career opportunities for creative talent in Advertising Agencies in Mainland China, I am upbeat about their prospects. People with excellent creative thinking abilities, graphic skills, a strong work ethic, and client centric outlook will always jump ahead of the curve.

In the early stage of one's career, young designers should concentrate on enhancing their design skills, learning to manage time and project challenges effectively and efficiently, and demonstrating superb standards of quality on a consistent basis.

Given the fact that the vast majority of local designers have relatively weak conceptual and English skills, I would also suggest that young designers undertake a frank self-assessment and if needed, commit to devising and implementing a workable plan for personal improvement in these areas. A few tips include studying and practicing different kinds of art forms and actively engaging in brainstorming sessions.

Now, once a designer begins to climb the career ladder, they will need to demonstrate confidence and comfort with doing new things all the time and exemplify an attitude that embraces a variety of media; not only the traditional ones but also any imaginable space between the brand and its consumers.

When to Embark on a Career in the Account Service Department of an Ad Agency?

This post addresses a recent enquiry from a young Chinese professional.

"After my graduation, I started working at a Company in their Marketing department. Now, after three years, I think that I would prefer to work in an Advertising Agency in the long-term. I heard that the most common career path is to first start out at an Ad Agency and then to switch to the client side. Do I still have the chance in an Advertising Agency?”

First, Advertising Agencies are constantly on the lookout for talent with the ability to establish strong relationships with colleagues and clients, quickly grasp an understanding of the Agency's processes and internal project management principles, and adapt to their matrix reporting structure and multidisciplinary nature of projects while working well in large teams. So, if you are this kind of person, then chances are good that you will get noticed.

Second, Advertising Agencies are oftentimes more demanding, ambiguous, and faster paced than in-house Marketing Departments. Many professionals also experience difficulty thriving in such an environment after spending too much time on the client side. Consequently, it is best for you to get your hands dirty at an Ad Agency as soon as possible.

At any career level, it is easier to exit an Advertising Agency and move to an in-house Marketing Department than vice-a-versa. But, the time spent in an Agency is always fruitful for one’s career in the Marketing field. It allows you to familiarize yourself with the Agency's processes inside and out and apply this experience in any future dealings with them. Agencies like to joke around that Ex-Agency staff makes for the worst most demanding clients.