Tremendous Blondette

I’m breaking my rule; I’m writing about work.

Right, so it’s not the first time I’ve written something pertaining to my job or industry so let’s keep our cool. I do try to maintain this blog as a personal area, but my work is such a big part of my life (and sometimes it’s nearly my entire life) that it becomes unavoidable that I will write about it. Keep in mind my history in the industry, from intern to management with my primary focus and role being internet marketing.

Back to the point. As a growing agency, we often have the opportunity to interview for entry level positions. One of the questions we ask is “why do you want to work in advertising/marketing?” You can learn a lot about a candidate from their answer.

Here’s everything a job in Advertising and Marketing actually is and what they don’t expect:

1. Starting at the bottom and doing the shit work. Well, it’s doing anything and everything the people above you “delegate.” Be happy they are delegating because it’s how you learn.
2. A lot of hours. If you want to work 40 hour weeks you won’t be in the industry long. I work 50-70 hours per week. The 70 is extreme, but I’m usually working 55-60 hours a week.
3. It doesn’t stop on the weekends, in the evening, or well…ever. Clients will call you whenever they want. Your ads will run at times when you aren’t in the office. If you’re working in Internet Media, well, yeah, 24/7.
4. It’s not all about concepting and creativity. Sure, there are jobs and sections of the industry that focus on the “pretty”, but advertising is about strategy, research, and details. You’re reinforcing a brand image or trying to generate leads or influence opinion.
5. It’s not glamorous. At times you may wine and dine clients, but you’re still trying to keep up with your OTHER clients  and projects and everything that’s going on back at the office. You’re probably not getting much sleep either. Plus, you’re probably traveling.
6. Always changing. There’s always something new to learn and if you don’t do it fast enough, you stop making money.

Now, if you love a challenge, problem solving, dealing with people, generating results, and learning, well, then maybe you do want to work in Advertising and Marketing.