Sales promotion account executive : Entry requirements

Promotional marketing work is open to all graduates, but a degree in the following subjects may increase your chances:

• marketing;
• business/management;
• economics;
• psychology;
• information technology;
• media;
• English.

Similarly, although this area of work is available to all Diplomates, an HND/foundation degree in the following subjects may improve your employment chances:

• marketing;
• business studies.

The larger agencies run graduate training schemes but may be willing to recruit Diplomates with the required skills and personal qualities.

Entry without a degree/HND/foundation degree is sometimes possible for those with the right combination of skills, experience and personal qualities, but it may be at a junior level.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not essential.

A combination of aptitude, enthusiasm, commitment and business awareness can be more important than a specific degree subject.

Experience in promotional work, sales or customer service is useful. As some agencies specialise in working with particular sectors, a specific degree may be beneficial for entry into these agencies.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• interpersonal and communication skills;
• creativity and the ability to think outside the box;
• problem-solving skills;
• organisational skills;
• the ability to prioritise your workload and to work to strict deadlines;
• motivation and enthusiasm;
• self-confidence and the ability to persuade;
• the ability to use your initiative and be proactive;
• attention to detail;
• teamworking skills;
• the ability to work well under pressure;
• administrative skills;
• an open-mind and a ‘can do’ attitude;
• general business sense.

Undertaking work experience with an agency or in any other business environment (if possible within a marketing department) can help you to become known to an agency and will support graduate applications. Use this experience to network and make further contacts.

Vacancies are not always advertised so speculative applications are worthwhile. See the Institute of Promotional Marketing (IPM)  and The Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing (IDM)  websites for contact details of member organisations (agencies, brand owners and service providers). Well-informed, targeted applications are vital so make sure that you research the industry before applying for work experience or a graduate role. Reading publications such as the IPM's Promotional Marketing   and the Direct, Data and Digital Marketing Newsfeed  will also help you to keep up to date with industry news.

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