Expert: Peter Gabany - 3/19/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi. I was wondering if it's ever possible for someone to start off in an Account Executive or Media Buyer position and move into a more creative position like Creative Director? Also, is there any creativity involved in positions like Account Executive or Media Buyer? Thanks

ANSWER: Anything in this industry is possible and a job through either of those doors can work, but it is difficult to move into or merge into the creative department.

Creative and accounts don't mix well - they never have. But if you take this route and you are any good at creative I can think of no better way than to go through the account side of the business to get to creative. I know that I would hire you (providing your portfolio showed it) because your knowledge of how the business worked would be ingrained and your ability to see the business side of the creative equation would be fine tuned.

I hope that this helps. I would however stay away from media. While it is valuable to understand it is not nearly as valuable as the account side for the direction you would like to go.

My only question is why are your going that way - just not getting into creative positions? If this is the case, maybe you simply need to reposition your approach.

Regards,

Pete



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Is sales experience(from any field) acceptable when it comes to applying for an Account Executive position, or do they usually look for previous A.E. experience in advertising?

Answer
Sales experience is always good but do not mix up sales with being an account executive.

As an A.E. you actually have three positions. You are the agency rep to the client. Your role will be to maximize the spending of the client's budget - RESPONSIBLY!

You are the client's rep to agency - communicating with your entire team the needs of the client so that you have a better chance at fulfilling their objectives.

And lastly the planner of communications for the client's customer. This is often lost on many A.E.s. They say they get it but find it difficult segregating the first two. The also believe that if they deliver on the first two the last will follow - nothing can be further form the truth.

Ask me more if you wish,

Pete