Expert: Peter Gabany - 3/9/2010

Question
Hi

I am an engineering(IT) graduate. Worked for a software firm for about a year and now currently been working for my family business as management trainee for the past 5 months. I am more of a dreamer and love to indulge my creative side. I would like to know, if it would be possible for me to gain entry into advertising and media field as a trainee, having neither the academic background nor the relevant work experience. And if I do get into this field, how much salary could I expect.

Answer
Having no experience is always a stretch, but there are ways. People rarely lack any creativity - and being an engineer has its blessings. There are many design and advertising agencies that work within the software market and boy could they excel if they had knowledge of the inner workings of systems - something that firms have a hard time coming up to speed with.

A lot of people think of the lure of advertising as it presents itself in movies and the tv, but it is VERY different in the real world. You experience in the family business is a bonus as well. There is a position called account executive and account manager. These positions can pay very well - in access of 6 figures - I have a friend who makes about $250k/annum.

Please note that when applying a resume in the ad industry or design industry just won't cut it. You have to be creative - if serious I would hire a designer to help you with this. I would recommend writing a book - imagine what it would be like to have a software engineer in your camp - or something like that. Let the recipient know what you know and what you are willing to do. Make reference to the family business and what you know of management of the enterprise - hopefully you can demonstrate how you were able to influence change and make gains/

I hope that this is of assistance.

Pete