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Media Executive

Media Executive

A Media Executive is an entry-level member of the team that makes sure ads appear in the places their intended audiences will see and respond to them. This could include television, billboards, street signage, social media, digital platforms or other channels.

 

Media work includes both buying and planning. Buyers negotiate and purchase media space and airtime on behalf of clients, while planners develop strategies that determine which channels will best reach the target audience. Many Media Executives work across both areas before specialising as they progress.

Great skills to have as a Media Executive

A love of data and what it can tell us about human behaviour.
Curiosity about where people get their information and entertainment.
An interest in emerging platforms and how they can help brands reach different audiences.
Strong verbal and written communication. Can you translate complex data into clear, simple information?
Strong attention to detail, accuracy and organisation.
Confidence using systems and spreadsheets, including Excel.

See what it's like...

Fikri Razak

Media Executive at OMD

Trailers

“I think what makes this industry so special is its people, the friends you will make and how much diversity there is in the type of work you can do. You are never cornered into doing one thing.”

Pathway to becoming a Media Executive

Agencies look for people who communicate well, are comfortable with data and numbers, and can apply a human perspective to what the data shows.

Tertiary study is not mandatory. Subjects such as economics, psychology, business, mathematics or science can be useful, but people enter media from many different areas of study and experience.

Graduates can register their interest in the Comms Council Graduate Talent Hub, which supports entry-level media opportunities. You can also apply directly for Media Executive roles. When applying, highlight your communication and organisation skills, confidence with data and curiosity about audiences in your cover letter and CV.

Boardroom

Career progression

There are no defined time periods between levels of seniority. Progress depends on your performance, the skills you develop and the opportunities available within your agency.

 

When you start, look for opportunities to support your team and wider business, ask questions, find a mentor or trusted group who can help when you feel stuck, and put your hand up for projects that will help you grow.

What might I be able to earn?

The following provides an indication of the sort of earnings you could achieve during your career.

 

We’ve selected a range of roles and provided indicative earning potential. Titles and levels of responsibility can vary depending on the size of the agency, the nature of its accounts, its location and how it defines each role, so these figures are indicative only.