Advertising copywriter

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly
• a graduate trainee scheme

University

You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• English
• creative writing
• journalism
• communication studies
• advertising

You might be able to get into this job with a degree in an unrelated subject. For example, if you want to be a copywriter for a scientific research company or a law firm, you might be able to get a job with a degree in biochemistry or law.

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for an apprenticeship, for example:

• Junior Advertising Creative Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Content Creator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Advertising Creative Level 6 Apprenticeship, leading to a professional qualification

These can take up to 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Volunteering

Work experience will help you get a better understanding of the role. You'll also get to make contacts who may help you to find paid work in advertising. You could try volunteering, internships or temporary jobs.

Social networking sites like Twitter or LinkedIn can be useful to make contact with companies.

DirectApplication

You can apply to companies directly if you have some of the relevant skills and knowledge needed for this job.

Some advertising agencies might consider your application if you do not have a degree. In this case, you'll need to show off your creativity, writing skills and business sense.

OtherRoutes

If you have a degree, you can apply for graduate training scheme with advertising agencies.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• knowledge of English language
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• knowledge of media production and communication
• the ability to sell products and services
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to read English
• excellent written communication skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to use your initiative
• active listening skills
• customer service skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• persuading skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory
• maths skills

What you'll do:

Advertising copywriters create the words used for print, TV, radio and online adverts.

You'll work as a team with an art director who will provide images to go with your words.

You'll work from a brief which will tell you about the client, their product, the target audience and the advertising message they want to get across.

You'll then:

• write clear and persuasive words
• present your ideas to the agency's creative director, account team and the client
• make sure your work meets the codes of advertising practice
• proofread adverts to check spelling, grammar and facts

Location : You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £80,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings occasionally

Career Path:

With experience, you could progress to senior copywriter or creative director.

You could also work freelance or set up your own agency.