To work as an advertising salesperson, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required beyond high school. However, most advertising salespeople have at least some college education. An associate degree can provide important computer and communication skills. These degrees take two years to complete and often can be completed while working part time in sales.

Many advertising salespeople have a bachelor's degree. Colleges and universities offer programs in marketing or business administration and management. These programs provide a good base for a career in advertising sales and generally take four years to complete. Your degree could be in a liberal arts area. For example, you could study sociology, psychology, or journalism.

Work experience

You should consider participating in an internship while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field. An internship may improve your chances of finding a job.

Work in another area of sales or as a customer service representative is good preparation for this occupation.

On-the-job training

Most firms provide training programs. Training usually covers methods for finding clients, making presentations, and answering customer questions. You also learn how to close sales and write orders. On-the-job training may last up to one year, but many people receive just a few months.

After training, salespeople often take seminars on improving their sales.