Expert: Ann Addy - 1/2/2002

Question
Dear Ms. Ann Addy,
    I am interested in the field of advertising and would like to ask you some questions. Thank you very much for your time, your response is greatly appreciated.                              
                          Sincerely,
                             Christina Maria
                      
1) Highlight a typical workday, and what would happen in your day to make it more or less stressful?

2) Does this schedule allow sufficient time to spend with friends, family, hobbies etc.?  

3) Are the activities the same on a day-to-day basis? How much can they vary?

4) Is there an opportunity on a daily basis to think and express yourself creatively?

5) Based on your work experience and qualifications, what related fields would you be qualified for and enjoy doing?

6) Does your work-load and the number of hours you put in per day fluctuate seasonally and/or monthly?

7) How do you think your occupation will evolve in the next 10-20 years? How will this effect the demand for your occupation?

8) Is it necessary to be located in a large urban center, and is foreign travel required?

9) What were your expectations from this career and does this career satisfy them?

10) What is your biggest reward, and what keeps you motivated?

11) How much interaction is expected with both peers and the people you are serving?

12) Are there opportunities for advancement in your career?

13) What additional education above the minimum would someone in your field benefit from in order to improve his/her position in this field?  

Answer
That's alot of questions. I'll attempt to give you a quick answer for most of them. My work day is 8:15 to 5:15 Monday through Thursday. I have a different situation as I ask for a short work week because of my family situation. My husband is retired and we travel quite a bit. So my situation is not typical. My career probably will not expand beyond 10 years if that long.

We are a small agency located in a city. I am responsible for new business development with account management clients as well. My job responsibilities are ever changing as the needs of my clients change. Most agencies will be located in larger cities because that's where the work will be. However, we also work with small communities because we are heavy into economic development marketing.

As a small agency we rely on each other and interact frequently in teams to offer clients the best possible product and service. We have opportunities to be creative and to pursue professional development opportunities as well.

Beyond the minimum college degree work in any related field such as media, writing and professional development opportunities such as PRSA, IABC are good. Read current literature and trade publications.

I feel my career has afforded me many other avenues to pursue when I decided to move on from this one. My family situation will dictate much of what happens next to me.

I wish you much success as you go forward! Ann