QUESTION #01
Do I need a degree?
Tap to flip over
ANSWER
There's no absolute answer to this question. Many of the most successful people in our industry, some of them now CEOs of agencies, do not have degrees.However, many agencies do prefer candidates with some form of tertiary education.
QUESTION #02
Is advertising all about selling stuff?
Tap to flip over
ANSWER
A lot of advertising is concerned with the promotion of goods and services from New Zealand companies. However, Aotearoa is a leading nation in behavioural change advertising. That's the sort of advertising that helps organisations like the government, or local councils, or charitable organisations change the way we act or behave in socially conscious ways. That could be encouraging New Zealanders to eat more healthily, or exercise, or check in with a doctor. Or how to have a healthy home, or drive safely. This is less about 'selling' and more about how to live better lives.
QUESTION #03
What is the pay like?
Tap to flip over
ANSWER
Entry level salaries are in line with many other industries. There are plenty of opportunities to gain experience, get promotions and earn salaries that are among the best careers in Aotearoa.
QUESTION #04
What are the hours of work?
Tap to flip over
ANSWER
Creative businesses sometimes require deadlines to be met that require longer hours to be worked. This is balanced by flexible working practices, great work environments and rewarding work outputs.The core hours in the industry are similar to other full time careers - a 40 hour working week, Monday to Friday.
QUESTION #05
How diverse is the advertising industry?
Tap to flip over
ANSWER
Like many industries there is work to be done in this area. The Comms Council regularly measures representation across agencies. We are currently under-represented amongst Māori and Pasifika communities. We've also got work to do to increase accessibility among disability communities.However, the industry recognises the importance of being represented by the communities in which we operate. There are a number of Māori-owned and Pasifika-owned advertising agencies in Aotearoa, and many individual agencies with specific Diversity and Inclusion programmes.
QUESTION #06
Are all agencies in Auckland?
Tap to flip over
ANSWER
There are many agencies in Auckland, but there are thriving advertising scenes in Wellington and Christchurch. Outside of the three main centres, there are fewer agencies, but you'll still find great agencies in places as far afield as Timaru to Whangārei.
QUESTION #07
What's the difference between a media agency and a creative agency?
Tap to flip over
ANSWER
A media agency will typically focus on the placement of the created content into the many channels. Their media buyers will negotiate and trade TV/Radio/Cinema/Print/Digital space for the optimum placement and impact.Creative agencies typically create the content such as TV ads, Posters, Billboards, radio ads, websites and digital ads.
QUESTION #08
What is the general office dress code?
Tap to flip over
ANSWER
Agencies tend towards relaxed, casual dress. There's 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.
QUESTION #09
What industry websites should I follow?
Tap to flip over
ANSWER
There are a few key local industry sites. StopPress, MAD Daily and Campaign Brief all feature the latest stories and campaigns from our industry.
QUESTION #10
Is there an intern programme available?
Tap to flip over
ANSWER
There isn't currently an industry-wide intern programme. However, some individual agencies may run programmes, particularly as part of their Diversity & Inclusion programmes.
