I used to think advertising agencies only had two types of jobs. You could either be on the account side or you could be a creative. Well, I also knew you could be a founder or CEO and have your name slapped on the outside of the building, but let’s be honest, that’s not exactly an entry-level position.
But last year after I decided I wanted to switch industries and work at an advertising agency, I set up as many informational interviews as I could — with copywriters, account directors, art directors, a media planner and a director of digital strategy. I found out one thing that honestly surprised me. In today’s agency world, you don’t have to be “just” a creative or “just” running an account. As you will read in the profiles this week, there are many other types of jobs at an advertising agency — from writing the taglines on a campaign, to editing a commercial, to pitching websites that want to talk about your brand. And, as you will also read, many campaigns are a collaborative effort that involve all different types of jobs within an agency.
So, if you’re in school right now and have your heart set on working at an ad agency, or if you might be looking to switch careers, or even if you have absolutely no idea what it is you want to do after you graduate, follow along with I Want Her Job this week as different colleagues of mine at WONGDOODY dish on what it’s like to be in their shoes.
Now, as for your next question: Is that a real agency name? Yes!
And in case you’re still curious, WONGDOODY is an independently-owned marketing ideas agency with offices in Seattle and Los Angeles. Its clients include Alaska Airlines, ESPN, Full Tilt Poker, Western Digital, Cedars-Sinai, Hollywood Bowl and The Harlem Globetrotters, among others. And since this site features women with enviable jobs across all spectrums, it’s important to note that WONGDOODY was voted No. 7 on the “Best Places to Work in Los Angeles” list by the Los Angeles Business Journal.
Join I Want Her Job all week to read about a handful of some of the most dynamic women at WONGDOODY.