Through the keyhole

We often take the commercial breaks for granted, cursing the TV until the programme we were watching returns back on screen.

However, adverts are one, if not 'the', most crucial element to any company that wants to get their brand known to the viewers at home.

A lot of work goes into creating just one advert and if you've ever watched Sir Alan Sugar's 'The Apprentice' there is usually a task set each series to think up and produce an ad (which he usually critiques to death).

Well, if you've ever watched one such episode, this encapsulates the process on a much smaller scale.

What the 'Apprentices' accomplish in a week by a few people, is normally accomplished over the course of several months by numerous people in the real world.

Advertising is not all about thinking up characters and storylines with which to promote the product; there are so many additional sides to this industry including marketing, promotion, pitching, aswell as creation.

The job is stressful, yet rewarding and very enjoyable. But how do you go about getting into such a line of work?

Degree subject matter is not a heavily dependant factor on which employers rest their decisions, but you must show a strong passion and determination for advertising.

The industry is extremely competitive, but once you've got your foot in through the door you're most definitely secured.

Advertising is not all about thinking up characters and storylines with which to promote the product

Sarah George

Search for such jobs online, but be picky. The key when searching for jobs is to not necessarily apply for a post that involves any form of advertising, but to find a job description that you think will suit you because there's nothing worse than acquiring a first job that you actually hate.

A useful starting point to the search for work is the IPA (an industry body) website (http://www.ipa.co.uk/GraduateFactFileSearch.aspx?agencyType=1).

On this site you will find a graduate factfile, which details the agencies offering graduate places and how to apply.

First round interviews follow application forms, though don't be disheartened if you only get a few replies as competition as afore mentioned is indeed fierce.

If successful in the first round, you will then go onto second rounds, which are often longer affairs.

These usually give you the opportunity to work in a team and prove yourself practically.

The selection process can be quite intense, but no matter how long it goes on for, providing you're determined, you'll get there in the end.

If you're not at the job-hunting stage yet, but are considering a career in advertising, the book 'How to get into advertising', by Andrea Neidle, gives lots of advice on how best to get started and is definitely worth a read.