I’ve been asking around for advice about getting into the advertising industry, and I’ve got lots of quick fire tips that I’m going to share with you. The question I’ve been asking is “tell me in one sentence the most important piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to start a career in advertising”.

And here’s the first answer:

You can’t give yourself an alternative to advertising, I’d say you HAVE to be a sponge, absorb everything you’re taught, explore every contact, have opinions on ads and back them up with why you think what you think, be confident, conscientious and bloody minded. Oh and (This is a footnote to that sentence), everytime someone turns you down for a placement/job/advice ask them why. Keep their letters and phone them up a little while after and ask them again, nicely. They’ll recognize you as someone who wants to better yourself and often the same people who turned you away one time will remember you and come back to you when they can help you out. And whenever you learn something try and pass it on to someone who is in the same position you were. And this industry is miles better than some corporate finance bull$hit job. I’m only a student and I’d say there’s no chance in hell i’d ever consider any other place to try and start working. AND (last thing) read ‘Get Into Advertising’ by Andrea Neidle.

Not quite one sentence, but some good stuff in there. Stay tuned for more…