Frequently asked questions

No, you don't always need a degree. Many successful people in the industry entered without one.

However, some agencies prefer candidates with tertiary education, depending on the role.

A lot of advertising promotes goods and services from New Zealand organisations. But Aotearoa also has a strong history of behaviour-change advertising. This is advertising that helps organisations such as government agencies, local councils and charities encourage positive change. It might encourage New Zealanders to eat more healthily, exercise, check in with a doctor, create a healthy home or drive safely. This is less about selling and more about helping people live better lives.

Entry-level salaries are in line with many other industries. As you gain experience, there are opportunities for promotion and higher salaries.

Creative businesses sometimes have deadlines that require longer hours. This can be balanced by flexible working practices, great work environments and rewarding work.

Core hours are generally similar to other full-time careers, with most agency work taking place Monday to Friday.

Like many industries, advertising still has work to do to better represent the communities it serves.

The Comms Council regularly measures representation across agencies, and many agencies have diversity and inclusion programmes. Aotearoa is also home to Māori-owned and Pasifika-owned advertising agencies.

There are many agencies in Auckland, but there are also thriving advertising scenes in Wellington and Christchurch.

Outside the three main centres there are fewer agencies, but you'll still find great agencies throughout Aotearoa, from Timaru to Whangārei.

A media agency typically plans where, when and how advertising will appear. Its teams buy and manage advertising across channels such as television, radio, cinema, print, websites, search and social media.

A creative agency develops the ideas and content, such as television commercials, radio ads, billboards, websites and digital campaigns.

Agencies tend towards relaxed, casual dress. There are plenty of T-shirts and jeans on show.

In general, people are encouraged to bring their full selves to work, and that extends to the dress code. If you prefer jeans to a suit, that's OK. It's equally OK if you prefer a suit to jeans.

There are a few key local industry sites. StopPress, M+AD Daily and Campaign Brief NZ all feature the latest stories and campaigns from the industry.

There isn't currently a Comms Council-wide internship programme. However, individual agencies may run their own internships, including programmes connected with diversity and inclusion initiatives.