Media planner : Entry requirements

Although this area of work is open to all graduates/Diplomates, the following degree/HND subjects may increase your chances:

• communication and media studies;
• business/management;
• marketing;
• advertising;
• English and journalism;
• operational research;
• statistics;
• psychology.

While it is not impossible, entry without a degree or HND is unlikely without relevant experience.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not required.

Pre-entry experience, especially relevant work experience, paid or unpaid, will greatly improve your chances. The most relevant work experience is anything that has helped to develop interpersonal skills, such as work in a customer service or sales role. Internships in media, marketing or advertising companies give applications an edge and are generally looked upon favourably by employers.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• commercial flair;
• strong interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills, for liaising with colleagues, clients and media owners;
• literacy, for writing reports and presentations;
• numeracy, for data analysis and negotiations;
• strong analytical and organisational skills;
• the ability to work with IT resources such as databases and spreadsheets, for the collection and management of information;
• the ability to work effectively under pressure.

A strong and genuine interest in media and an appreciation of the part it plays in advertising is vital. Getting to know key aspects and terms used in the industry through organisations such as The Media Circle , the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA)  and the Internet Advertising Bureau  is a good way to support job applications.

Some graduate positions are advertised on IPA Jobs Online , but it is advisable to make speculative applications to relevant employers. Applications should be based on careful research of both the role and the specific employer - explore the company's website and be aware of the company's current presence in the market. Be persistent as few jobs are advertised. Employers often receive large quantities of applications for advertised roles, which are time-consuming to sift through, so often prefer to recruit on a word-of-mouth basis or through the speculative applications they receive directly from interested candidates. A targeted covering letter and a CV demonstrating enthusiasm and knowledge are, therefore, key to any successful application.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.