Advertising isn’t a passion. It’s a calling.

An advertising account manager divides his or her work into two core elements, project management and client relationship management. Balancing between the agency to produce advertisements while meeting client expectations is all in a days work.

You will build a rapport with your clients that will help not only you, but the advertising agency stand apart from the competition based on trust, design and market knowledge.

Three reasons why this job rocks

1. Knowledge – You will be working with a wide array of brands from start-ups to internationally known names. Regardless of popularity, you will learn different tactics and strategies depending on the brand/product in efforts to appeal to a mass market. You will also learn how to effectively use mediums such as electronic, print and television as modes of persuasion.
2. Influence - Imagine having the power to shape the way an advertisement is produced? Imagine playing a vital role in the creative component of a print piece? Listen to clients and write briefs based on the contents of your meetings and discussions. Your team will first learn of the project and it’s specific details from you. You set the direction and shape the outcome.
3. Results - As a advertising account manager, you will want to make sure you see the tangible results. Such as, where you able to double the sales of the client? The biggest reward is all your efforts and those of your team shown via your client’s success.

Good traits to have

• Honesty
• Determination
• Focus
• Willingness to learn
• Take Criticism
• Loyalty
• Team Spirit

Sounds good! What educational background will I need?

This will prepare you for the client service area of the integrated marketing and communications industry.

Not only will a team of seasoned professionals mentor you as you acquire new skills and confidence for the industry, but you will also have the opportunity to apply your know- how to the real world. This is the only post-graduate offering of its kind in Canada to offer a 14-week field placement in the marketing communications field.

Companies offering jobs

Companies that have hired graduates of this School of Communications, Media and Design program include: Agency 59, Anderson DDB, Anomaly, BBDO/Proximity, Canadian Tire, Cossette Communications, Cundari, Draftfcb, J. Walter Thompson, Juniper Park, Leo Burnett, MacLaren McCann, Saatchi & Saatchi, and Young & Rubicam.

If you like creating, planning, managing and working in collaborative teams, this School of Communications, Media and Design program is for you.

See what awaits you at Centennial College.

Advertising and Marketing Communications Management Program offers Biggest Breadth of Digital Information

There are many fields in which the duties of professionals vary. One such field is the management of marketing communications and advertising. Most often, however, tasks revolve around the control of a few key advertising and public relations roles. As such, these professionals must develop or refine a communications strategy, which includes the branding of a company or client; identify opportunities for customer research and to implement these data gathering and targeting initiatives; work with product design and production teams to coordinate the refine of old products or the creation of new products. Unlike other marketing and communications professionals, these managers are in direct contact with clients, helping them to develop and then meet their goals.

At Centennial College, students can attend a marketing and communications program aptly called Advertising and Marketing Communications Management, which has been recognized by the Interactive Advertising Bureau as offering the largest breadth of digital /mobile curriculum.

The aim of this three-year offering is to introduce students to the entire advertising process, which includes research, developing strategies, campaign planning, copywriting, production, media planning and buying.

For a realistic experience, students in this marketing and advertising communication program in Toronto encounter elements of the real world in their courses. For example, they must meet firm deadlines, complete activities in which multitasking is involved, work under pressure and deliver professional presentations. Once students have an idea of what to expect in the field, they have the opportunity to apply their skills to the real world, as this is the only Greater Toronto Area college program with a four-month internship. Aside from working with a host of professionals and gaining an idea of how their roles function in the real world, students should also take this opportunity to expand their professional networks.

It is important to note that fifth semester offers students specialized streams that provide an advanced concentration in copywriting, media planning and buying or account service.

As a respected advertising program Toronto offers, this undertaking supplies students with the option to enter the field, for which they are fully prepared after three years or increase their knowledge through further education.

With the abilities to work in all areas of advertising and marketing communications, including account management, media buying and planning, marketing, digital/mobile, copywriting, production, direct marketing, promotions and event marketing, students have been hired by many reputable companies. Among these organizations are: Anderson DDB, Boom Marketing, Grey Canada, MacLaren McCan, Media Edge, Mindshare, Starcom, Young & Rubicams and more.

Eligible graduates may benefit from Centennial College's educational partnerships that allow graduates to apply academic credit towards further study. This program has partnered with Alberta's Athabasca University, Algoma University in Ontario, Davenport University in Michigan and Australia's Griffith University.

A Unique Program that Taps into Your Creativity, Strategic Thinking and Business Sense

Centennial College's three-year post-secondary program in advertising and marketing communications management uniquely blends creative messaging, strategic thinking and business theory. The aim is prepare you for a wide variety of roles in the field of integrated marketing communications and advertising campaigning in professional and creative environment.

You gain theoretical understanding in numerous subjects, including marketing, communications, advertising, consumer psychology, interactive media, design and production and strategic planning, and develop your instincts and strategic thinking abilities, and gain necessary hands-on experience with an industry field placement.

The advertising communication program is both intensive and comprehensive. It provides you with all the critical skills necessary to enter the dynamic, fiercely competitive and challenging field of advertising. With this, you also learn how to tell persuasive stories to your clients, influence their buying decision and establish long term relationships with them.

Program Structure

The program runs for three years, through six semesters and covers a wide range of subjects. In the first year, you're introduced to agency advertising, advertising campaign presentation, and foundations in marketing, tools and processes for communicators, consumer psychology and communications. You also study advertising research, integrated marketing, copywriting, imaging, account management and communications.

The second year covers subjects, such as advertising media selection, advertising planning, advertising design and production, global citizenship: from social analysis to social action, radio and television advertising, interactive media and print production, campaign planning and advertising business writing.

In third year, you will study digital communications, broadcast buying and measurement, administration and finance, advertising campaign management, advertising issues, strategic planning, digital and social media and portfolio design.

The marketing communication program in Toronto is concluded with an industry field placement, which helps in applying your learning to practice, gain real world work experience and build relevant industry contacts that can be used as references in future.

The Centennial Difference

Although numerous colleges in Toronto offer post-secondary advertising programs but Centennial offers special benefits to its students.

• The program is recognized by the Interactive Advertising Bureau for offering the most breadth of digital/mobile curriculum.
• You may consider specializing in media planning, copywriting and buying or account service.
• Centennial is the only GTA College that provides four-month internship.
• You learn to deliver professional presentations, develop business communication skills and business writing skills.
• The program is delivered by a team of seasoned advertising instructors who possess strong industry and academic backgrounds.
• You're prepared for a variety of roles in account management, copywriting, production, digital/mobile, promotions, direct marketing, media buying and planning, event marketing and promotions.

Are You Eligible to Apply for Advertising Program Toronto?

In order to be eligible to apply for a post-secondary advertising program Toronto, you must produce secondary school diploma or equivalent and required scores in English Grade 12 C or University, or equivalent. You will have to take the college's English skills assessment for admission, if you don't fulfill the required criteria.

Fulfilling these conditions doesn't guarantee you an admission to this program. Your selection completely depends on your application and your grades.

Advertising and Marketing Communications Management Program Respected by Grads and Community

Hearing students sing a post-secondary program's praises serves as a testament to the education that offering provides. Many of Centennial College's graduates go on record to educate potential students and community members about their experiences.

Centennial College's advertising communication program - officially known as Advertising and Marketing Communications Management - is an offering that is often lauded by former students. "Centennial's three-year Advertising program is a journey, to say the least," says 2010 graduate Andrew Learner. "It gives students an unparalleled opportunity to grow and learn - from bright young students into capable young professionals. Centennial is a school that isn't rooted in the past. It teaches the concepts of traditional and cutting edge advertising - applied practically to what's relevant today. As I continue to grow in my field today, I use the fundamental knowledge I learned from Centennial to approach and complete everything I do!"

Professionals like Andrew, thanks to their marketing and communications program training work in a range of areas that include account management, media buying and planning, marketing, digital/mobile, copywriting, production, direct marketing, promotions and event marketing.

But just what does this advertising and marketing communications offering consist of? Firstly, training lasts three years and is open to anyone who has completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older; and Grade 12 English C or U, or equivalent (minimum grade required) or is willing to take the Centennial College English Skills Assessment for Admission (score of 170 or 171 required).

Secondly, students are exposed to and familiarized the entire advertising process, including: research, developing strategies, campaign planning, copywriting, production, and media planning and buying. Additionally, students gain insight and experience in the main areas of agency operations, including copywriting, media and account management. The fifth semester features specialization streams that provide an advanced concentration in copywriting, media planning and buying or account service.

To foster a mock "real world" environment that allows students to become comfortable with their tasks, they learn about firm deadlines, multitasking, working under pressure and delivering professional presentations. As such, students develop instincts and strategic abilities that will allow them to meet deadlines in a professional and creative environment.

Thirdly, this is the only advertising program Toronto-based undertaking that offers students a four-month internship. The real-world experience is invaluable to enhancing students' resumes as they acquire experience in the day-to-day activities of the advertising world and are completely comfortable with completing their tasks in an efficient way upon graduation. This makes Centennial College grads instantly ready for hire upon graduation.

It is worth noting that the offering is recognized by the Interactive Advertising Bureau as offering the most breadth of digital /mobile curriculum.

Combine Creativity, Strategy and Business Skills in Advertising and Marketing Communications Management

Because advertising and marketing is an area that is constantly evolving, to keep up with the times the post-secondary program you choose to attend to prepare you for the field should too. For example, the latest advancement involves the use of social media to effectively sell products and services. If the program you want to attend doesn't cover this vital aspect, think again.

At Centennial College's advertising communication program - officially known as Advertising and Marketing Communications Management - the idea of the evolution of the field is taken into account so much so that content is constantly reviewed and, if need be, updated. Courses cover the entire advertising process, including: research, developing strategies, campaign planning, copywriting, production, media planning and buying. Additionally, to ensure that students get the most out of their time at Centennial, the fifth semester features specialization streams that provide an advanced concentration in copywriting, media planning and buying or account service.

Here is a look at some of the standout courses offered within this undertaking.

Foundations in Marketing: In order build one's brand by understanding customers, a marketing professional must look past sales. This course teaches students that marketing involves product and package development, pricing, distribution and communications as a total marketing function.

Copywriting (1-3): Presented over the course of three classes, this marketing and communications program series of courses delves into advertising copywriting. During the first course, students are introduced to basic rules for preparing advertising copy for all media. In the second course, students learn the unique demands of retail and direct marketing copywriting. The final course, meanwhile, refines copywriting skills and sets realistic deadlines to prepare students for a junior copywriting position. Assignments in all three courses takes into account newspaper, magazine, radio, television, and direct marketing.

Advertising Planning: Part of the profession includes solving clients' advertising problems. Students analyze, interpret and apply research data. Through individual and group work, participants learn how to write and present a complete advertising campaign including creative executions and media campaign.

Digital and Social Media: Social media is one of the most currents forms in which advertising and marketing communications can be effective. This course looks at how interactive media design is integrated with contemporary advertising to solve complex communication challenges; and the use of interactive technologies as a vehicle for advertising, and digital media techniques and processes. Projects focus on the design and development of interactive environments.

Once students complete this advertising program Toronto has to offer, they can launch their careers in areas that include: account management, media buying and planning, marketing, digital/mobile, copywriting, production, direct marketing, promotions and event marketing.

Benefits of an Advertising and Marketing Communications Management Program

The post-secondary program in advertising and marketing communications management is designed for students who wish to build careers in advertising, communications and brand management in the ever-changing marketplace. Advertising, communications and branding play an integral role in building the image of a business. These are strategic tools that, if used smartly, help businesses gain competitive advantage and build brand equity.

Identity is important for any business or product in today's marketplace when there are hundreds of alternatives available to the customers. And advertising and marketing professionals are responsible for creating this identity that has a lasting impression among consumers. They assume an important role in the organization and this is why, employers prefer to hire professionals who have formal education and training and possess relevant hands-on experience. After all, these professionals are going to handle their brand and reputation.

How Does an Advertising Communication Program Help in Building a Sustainable Career?

An advertising communication program helps students

• Promote strategic thinking to generate new ideas
• Develop their instincts and strategic abilities to meet the challenges that the ever changing business world posses
• Experience day-to-day activities of the advertising world
• Develop an ability to plan and develop campaigns on mobile platforms
• Learn how to tell brand stories with persuasive advertising
• Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills

 On the ground level, the marketing communications program helps them

• Understand the entire advertising process
• Develop ability to conduct research, develop strategies, plan campaign, and develop media plan
• Gain insights in agency operations, such as account management, media management and copywriting

Apart from this, the program opens doors to diverse career options for graduates. They can pursue their careers in marketing, advertising, copywriting, production, direct marketing, account management, media buying and planning, digital marketing, production, branding, direct marketing, event marketing and promotions.

Program Content

The three-year post-secondary program runs through six semesters and covers a wide range of subjects including:

Advertising: Agency Advertising, Advertising Campaign Foundation, Advertising Research, Advertising Media Selection, Advertising Planning, Advertising Design and Production, Radio and Television Advertising, Advertising Business Writing, Advertising Campaign Management and Advertising Issues

Marketing: Foundations in Marketing, Consumer Psychology, Integrated Marketing, Copywriting, Campaign Planning, Interactive Media and Print Production, Strategic Planning and Digital and Social Media

Other Subjects: Tools and Processes for Communicators, Account Management, Imaging, Administration and Finance and Portfolio Design

In addition to this, the program also incorporates industry field placement in the last semester, allowing students put their learning into practice and gain practical experience.

Studying Marketing Communications and Advertising Program Toronto

A number of colleges offer post-secondary marketing communications and advertising programs Toronto. Unfortunately, not all are accredited. Centennial College's three-year advertising and marketing communications management program is recognized by the Interactive Advertising Bureau for offering the most breadth of digital curriculum. Moreover, it is the only GTA College that offers a four-month internship to students of this program.

Interested students can submit an application form along with a copy of their secondary school diploma certificate and scores in English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent.

Career Outlook for Advertising and Marketing Communications Program

A formal education and training in advertising and marketing communications opens doors to numerous career opportunities in the areas, including but not limited to:

• Account management
• Direct marketing
• Media buying and planning
• Digital/mobile
• Marketing
• Production
• Copywriting
• Promotions
• Event marketing
• Campaigning
• Advertising

The professionals with marketing or advertising communications diploma can find employment practically in every industry. However, major employers are

• Advertising firms
• Internet marketing companies
• Health and lifestyle agencies
• Marketing and communications companies
• Telecommunications companies
• Integrated communications and advertising firms
• Global media and marketing services companies
• Public relations companies
• Intellectual property companies
• Digital and social media channels
• Brand identity consulting firms

Work Life

The job of advertising and marketing communications professionals is very challenging but exciting. It offers diversity in work and opportunities to work with experienced people and top shots in the industry. However, theirs may not be a routine clock-in and clock-out job and they may require working longer than usual.

The professionals are expected to perform a broad range of job duties from identifying the market sectors offering the greatest potential revenues to determining growth opportunities, writing and designing advertisement for diverse media channels and developing advertising campaigns. They also need to:

• Establish overall marketing strategy
• Align marketing strategy with company’s business strategy
• Estimate demand for company’s products
• Research market growth trends
• Identify the pain points of customers and conceive advertising campaigns around them
• Manage communications with customers, media and government agencies
• Develop and market products
• Work with multi-disciplinary teams
• Write product brochures and press releases

The exact job roles and responsibilities may vary widely, depending upon the employment, type of industry they work in, job title and individual qualifications and work experience. Their job may also include frequent travelling.

Advertising and Marketing Communications Programs in Toronto

A post-secondary diploma is the minimum requirement to seek entry level jobs in marketing or advertising communications. It prepares students with the knowledge, critical skills and experience necessary to enter this dynamic field.

Centennial College’s marketing and advertising communications program is recognized by the Interactive Advertising Bureau and helps students

• Tap into their creative talent, strategic thinking and business savvy to generate new ideas
• Develop their instincts and strategic abilities
• Learn how to tell stories to clients through various traditional and modern media platforms
• Gain insights and experience in agency operations: media, account management and copywriting
• Learn the entire advertising process, including: research, strategy development, campaign planning, production, media planning and buying

The advertising and marketing communication program combines classroom learning and a 4-month internship with a marketing or advertising firm.

Admission Requirements

In order to apply for a three-year, post-secondary marketing and advertising program Toronto, students will need:

• Secondary school diploma or equivalent
• Grade 12 English or University or equivalent
• To attend the admission session

The graduates of this program can choose to either pursue their careers or apply for more advanced programs at university by applying their academic credits towards further studies.

Building a Career in Advertising and Marketing Communications

Advertising and marketing communications covers an array of different functions, including but not limited to

• Producing content for print and electronic media
• Interacting with company's internal and external clients to deliver the message
• Interacting with public and media
• Promoting company's products and services
• Developing materials for advertising company's products and services for different media channels
• Writing and distributing press releases
• Developing publications and websites
• Assisting executives in their day-to-day functions
• Facilitating marketing campaigns
• Developing production timeline
• Performing administrative duties
• Scheduling meetings and developing presentations
• Planning and organizing events
• Proofreading, copy editing and copywriting
• Developing and maintaining media contacts

The exact job roles and responsibilities may vary widely depending upon the job title, employment and individual work experience.

Career Prospects

The marketing and advertising communications professionals are found in almost all the industries operating in public and private sectors, and domestic and international levels. They can work as marketing communications coordinators, advertising executives, advertising and promotions assistants, marketing research coordinators, public relations coordinators, copywriting executives, advertising planning coordinators, marketing event planners and business account managers.

They can work in diverse marketing and advertising fields, such as marketing, digital/mobile, event planning, promotions, copywriting, direct marketing, media buying and planning, account management, content development, content editing and administration.

Although the career prospects in this field are fair but the competition in the job market is fierce. Individuals need to have obtained a diploma or degree in marketing and advertising communications along with some prior hands-on-experience to seek entry level jobs in this field.

The professionals are expected to

• Possess good communication and organizational skills
• Display excellent business writing skills
• Be ready to work long hours, including evenings and weekends
• Work under pressure and deadlines
• Manage stressful situations
• Be comfortable with substantial travelling to meet clients and company representatives
• Possess critical problem solving and decision making skills
• Be creatively talented, strategic thinkers and business savvy

An advertising communication program can help them gain knowledge and skills required to build a rewarding career in this field. It aims at teaching students the entire advertising process, including

• Research
• Developing strategies
• Campaign planning
• Copywriting
• Production
• Media planning and buying

Advertising and Marketing Communication Programs in Toronto

Centennial College's three-year post-secondary advertising and marketing communication program covers a wide range of subjects including:

• Advertising campaign presentation
• Foundations in marketing
• Tool and processes for communicators
• Consumer psychology
• Advertising research
• Integrated marketing
• Copywriting and imaging
• Advertising media selection
• Advertising planning
• Radio and television advertising
• Interactive media and print production
• Campaign planning
• Digital communications
• Advertising campaign management
• Broadcast buying and measurement
• Strategic planning

The program offers a unique blend of classroom learning on advertising process, agency operations and multitasking, and an extensive industry field placement. It helps students in putting their acquired knowledge in practice and gain relevant contacts that can be used as references in future.

The program is recognized by the Interactive Advertising Bureau for offering the most breadth of digital/mobile curriculum. It also features a 4-month intensive internship. Additionally, firm deadlines, working under pressure and delivering presentations are part of this program.

Enrollment Guide

In order to enroll in a post-secondary advertising program Toronto, you will need:

• Secondary school diploma or equivalent
• Grade 12 English or University or equivalent
• To attend the admission session

Advertising and Marketing Communication Program in Toronto - Overview and Career Prospects

A diploma in advertising and marketing communications can lead you to several different career paths – research and development, marketing strategies development, copywriting, media planning, product promotion, event marketing, digital/mobile marketing, marketing and media buying and production. The field comprises of many facets and activities, offering you several career choices.

The nature of work in these fields may differ depending upon your job title and the organization you work with. However, you will need to show your strategic abilities, creative talent and multitasking and interpersonal communication skills regardless of where you work and what your job profile is. This is expected from all advertising and marketing graduates.

Who Should Enroll in an Advertising Communication Program?

A postsecondary advertising communication program is a right choice for those who

• Want to build a career in market research
• Can communicate their thoughts, ideas and opinions clearly, concisely and strongly
• Are interested in promoting products and services for companies
• Want to get into the field of advertising
• Look to build a career in public relations
• Generally spend time in reviewing products, their costs and promotional campaigns
• Want to be at the forefront while planning marketing activities

The program equips them with in-depth understanding, knowledge and skills required to seek entry level jobs in the field of marketing communications and advertising.

What All Does an Advertising and Marketing Communication Program Cover?

An advertising and marketing communication program helps you develop your

• Instincts and strategic abilities
• Critical thinking
• Ability to perform under pressure and in a high competitive environment
• Ability to communicate more strongly and clearly

The three-year program focuses on your overall development and includes a wide range of subjects. It covers

• Agency advertising
• Campaign planning
• Tools and processes of communication
• Consumer psychology
• Advertising Research
• Integrated marketing
• Marketing and copywriting
• Advertising planning and media selection
• Radio and television campaigning
• Advertising business writing
• Digital communications
• Administration and finance
• Portfolio design
• Digital and social media

The entire sixth semester includes extensive field placement to give students practical training and hands-on-experience. This helps them apply their classroom learning into practice. During this period, students can also build important contacts, which can later on be used as references while finding employment.

Enrolling in a Marketing Communication and Advertising Program

To enroll in an advertising program Toronto, you need to submit:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
• Grade 12 C or University English scores or equivalent

Although having a prior experience in a related field is not mandatory but it is recommended. You can seek admission into a top college in Toronto if you have a relevant work experience in marketing or advertising or any related field after completing your high school diploma.

Continuing Education

Those who are interested in entering the world of work right after the completion of the diploma program can find employment opportunities with media organizations, corporate houses, advertising firms, copywriting companies, digital marketing organizations and direct marketing firms. However, those who want to study further to win a university degree can apply their credits towards further study.