There are over 700,000 marketing, advertising, promotions, sales, and public relations managers who work in the United States. Considering the popularity of the advertising world, many people aspire to enter this field and dream of ultimately becoming an advertising executive.

Who wouldn't want this highly competitive career? For one, it's one of the most glamorous careers out there - making excellent ads, watching them come to life in print campaigns or broadcast programs, and eventually selling the product. Here are some tips that might help you if you want to become an advertising executive.

Familiarize yourself with advertising trends and issues

If you're interested to learn more about being an advertising executive, you need to familiarize yourself with the going-ons in the advertising world. Read publications like Brandweek, Advertising Age, and Adweek so that you're aware of the issues and trend in advertising as well as advertising successes and failures. It is crucial that account managers are updated with all the trends and issues in advertising.

Engage in practical business activities

In order to enter advertising, you have to gain practical business experience. Involve yourself with promotion or advertising activities at your school for sports events, social events, fund-raising events, or political issues. If your school yearbook or newspaper has paid advertising, consider volunteering to work in advertising sales.

Consider participating in internship programs

If you're aspiring to land an account executive job, it's definitely a good idea to begin as an assistant executive or participate in internships. This will allow you to work directly with clients, follow up on client service, and study the market. This work will give you a good sense of what the job entails and the kind of work that account executives must perform.

Decide which firm to pursue

Of the 22,000 agencies in the country, the large companies located in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago are dominating the advertising industry in the country. However, four in five advertising organizations have less than 10 employees. These small players offer great opportunities for account executives who have the talent, experience, and flexibility.

When you look for employment, it is recommended that you find jobs with large firms that employ advertising staff. When you target agencies, you'll find that the competition for jobs is intense.