You may be thinking that an ad agency job is only for someone with at least a few years of experience. Truth to be said, many companies still value creativity and innovation when hiring, which is why you may get a chance to prove your worth even if you have just graduated. Being a creative writer or copywriter is not an easy job, and you will most likely have to deal with numerous tasks that are beyond the scope of a regular office routine. In this post, we will tell you about the steps you can follow to get a foot in the door at an ad agency.
Start Strong
No one is an island, and the same goes for a copywriting career. You will most likely need to establish yourself as a reliable writer first, so take your time and write compelling copy for compelling content. Do not hesitate to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them. Writing is a craft, and like any other craft, it can only improve with time and practice. It is also a never-ending process, so be sure to keep practicing.
Know Your Worth
Many agencies value creativity and innovation when hiring, which is why you may get a chance to prove your worth even if you have just graduated. The catch is that the workload can be quite high, and you will need to know how to value your time. In our opinion, this is one of the most important things you need to do to secure your future as a copywriter. We recommend that you take a look at some of the freelance copywriting rates to have an idea of the value that your skills bring to the table. Do not expect to easily transition from college to a full-time job at an ad agency. Oftentimes, you will have to settle for part-time work or even start your own business.
Get Experience
While getting a degree is a great route to achieving your desired career, it does not automatically translate to the working world. The good news is that even if you do not have any direct experience, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get the required training and gain the necessary work-related skills. To that end, ensure you take advantage of all the writing and critical thinking classes available to you, whether online or through a local college. The more you know, the more you will be able to contribute to the team. Take a look at how David Meerman Scott got his start as a freelance copywriter.
Join A Writing Group
Do you have a creative writing group that you can join? Most colleges and universities have alumni associations that you can join to get useful information about jobs and careers. By joining a creative writing group, you will be able to get feedback on your work, as well as meet new people who can help you get your foot in the door at an ad agency. It would be a great idea to look for a creative writing group in your area, or even form one if there is none in your college.
Take Online Courses
If you want to become a better copywriter, take online courses. One of the best things about these courses is that you can complete them from the comfort of your home. While you are gaining valuable experience, you are also improving your employability. If you are looking for a new career, take a look at the courses offered by the American Advertising Agencies (4A’s) Association. Not only will you learn the foundations of copywriting and journalism, but you will also get the opportunity to connect with industry professionals who can help you get your foot in the door. Most importantly, taking online courses allows you to keep learning, even when you are not working. So, if you want to become the best copywriter that you can be, take advantage of this opportunity.
Check Out Alumni Networks
If you are looking for a job at an ad agency after graduation, the best strategy is to look for an alumnus of the agency or a connected company who can help you get an introduction. Most ad agencies have an alumni network that you can join in order to get valuable information about the agency and its clients, as well as job opportunities. These networks can be quite valuable, as you will most likely be able to access information that is not available to the general public. Additionally, many alumni networks contain members who work at the agency, so you can get an idea of what kind of work environment you will be entering. Checking out the agency’s alumni network is a sure-fire way to get useful information about your future career. Plus, it’s free and it’s a great way to network!
Build A Portfolio
If you are looking for a job as a creative writer or copywriter, building a portfolio is critically important. Your portfolio will serve as a snapshot of your work and can easily be used to demonstrate your skills to potential employers. Having a well-crafted portfolio will greatly increase your odds of getting hired, especially if you have just graduated. Take some time and build a portfolio of your work. Whether you are doing this online or via physical copies, do not underestimate the value of a portfolio.
Follow The Agencies’ Roster
Even if you do not have any previous experience, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get a job as a copywriter at an ad agency. Many large agencies maintain a roster of freelancers that they regularly hire, so all you need to do in order to get a job is to show up and impress. Most agencies will have you complete a short application, as well as submit a writing sample. While it is not required that you get hired as a copywriter, it certainly does not hurt your application’s chances.
Research The Best Places To Work
If you are looking to get a job at an ad agency, it is paramount that you research the best places to work. After all, you will be joining a professional community of people who are there for the same reason as you: to work hard and earn money.
There are multiple sources you can use to find the best places to work, whether you are looking at online resources or even through a local newspaper. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor has an occupational outlook section that you can use to find the best job matches based on your experience and skills. Furthermore, research the most in-demand industries and careers to land yourself in a position to be over-skilled for the job.
Working at an ad agency is a fantastic opportunity for anyone with a creative writing degree or background. The above advice should get you started on the right foot in your attempt to get a job at an ad agency. Good luck out there!