Advertising is an industry that’s important to the United Kingdom. It contributes as much as £100 billion to the nation’s economy each year, and 73,000 British people work in this field. And London is an especially exciting place to build an advertising career; some of the most prestigious ad firms in the world have set up shop here. If a top advertising position in this city appeals to you, the following tips should help you work your way there.

“Earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in advertising certainly won’t hurt. You’ll study the craft in depth and form friendships with fellow advertising students. If one of them ever joins or founds a major ad company, he or she might hire you. Plus, advertising professors often have strong connections within the industry, and they can give you extremely helpful advice and personal recommendations.” – NewMillennia who are experts in helping recruitment agencies set and be successful.

All through advertising school and afterward, network extensively — attend workshops and seminars wherever you find them. Your goal should be landing a work placement — also known as an internship — or an entry-level position at an agency. Once you’ve done so, always show your supervisors that you’re intent on mastering the profession. Do all your tasks thoroughly. Then offer to take on extra work. Additionally, show up early and leave late; use lunch and snack breaks to get acquainted with as many employees as possible. One person you should make a special effort to charm is the creative director. If you’re well-respected at the office and display enthusiasm for even the most tedious chores, your chances of earning promotions greatly increase.

Of course, the Internet has greatly altered the global advertising trade. With that in mind, you might sign up with an online freelancing service and accept as many designors copywriting jobs as you can. Or set up a website and advertise your services through social media. You probably won’t make much money; expect to support yourself with another job. But you’ll develop a portfolio that you can submit to advertising firms when applying for positions.

When working as a freelancer, email various TV and radio stations in London. Some of them might need a freelancer to write commercials or promos for their programmes. Again, don’t expect these gigs to be lucrative. At the same time, the experience can be invaluable.

Note that you can enhance your portfolio with speculative advertisements, known in the business as “spec ads.” Spec ads are the ads you’d create for top brands if those brands ever hired you. Speculative work allows budding ad professionals to really release their creative juices and to demonstrate how they’d perform if given blue-chip assignments.

In all of this, take heart. If you have a knack for coming up with compelling and original ideas and know how to execute those ideas flawlessly, you are a rare talent. You’re all but assured a long and fulfilling career in London advertising.

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