Your Advertising Skills Hub
Discover careers. Explore roles. Experience the world of advertising.
From Insight to Impact: Commercial Roles in Advertising
Discover how strategy, partnerships, and smart decision-making turn ideas into profitable outcomes across the global media industry.
Blank Page to Billboard: Creative Roles in Advertising
Discover how bold ideas and powerful storytelling shape culture, influence audiences, and bring campaigns to life across every sector.
What is a Career Simulation?
Interactive online learning
Practical skills development
Flexible and accessible
A simple sign-up process
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Sign-up
Quick and free registration
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Start learning
Access expert-led modules
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Get certified
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What is advertising?
Advertising is a dynamic industry that uses creative storytelling to inspire and influence how we think, behave, and consume. Over 600,000 people are employed directly in the advertising and marketing industry in the UK, across agencies and in-house marketing teams. And these jobs are spread right around the UK, with 60% of industry employment based outside of London.
About us
The Advertising Association represents the UK’s advertising industry, while Media Smart helps young people understand advertising wherever it appears and inspires them to consider the sector as a career choice.
The UK advertising industry
The UK advertising industry includes agencies, brands, media owners and tech companies who use a range of skills, data, and platforms to communicate a brand’s products and services to the public.
As well as the advertisers themselves, trade bodies, regulators, and educators also work together to ensure that our advertising is responsible and trusted.
What skills are needed
Whether you’re a natural storyteller, or you’re good with numbers, advertising needs a diverse range of skills — from creatives and copywriters to data analysts and accountants.
Regardless of your role, core skills such as problem-solving, communication, and adaptability are equally important for a successful career in advertising.
Where we do it
There are many routes into a career in advertising. While many people undertake a university degree in advertising, these aren’t always needed for a job. Non-traditional routes such as apprenticeships are also a great way to kickstart your career.
The UK advertising industry
The UK advertising industry includes agencies, brands, media owners and tech companies who use a range of skills, data, and platforms to communicate a brand’s products and services to the public.
As well as the advertisers themselves, trade bodies, regulators, and educators also work together to ensure that our advertising is responsible and trusted.
What skills are needed
Whether you’re a natural storyteller, or you’re good with numbers, advertising needs a diverse range of skills — from creatives and copywriters to data analysts and accountants.
Regardless of your role, core skills such as problem-solving, communication, and adaptability are equally important for a successful career in advertising.
Where we do it
There are many routes into a career in advertising. While many people undertake a university degree in advertising, these aren’t always needed for a job. Non-traditional routes such as apprenticeships are also a great way to kickstart your career.