Education · 1 of 4

The path

There is no licence and no required degree. You get hired on a book of work.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   English, media studies, business. Start writing things nobody asked you to write.

2. 2

   Training (optional but common)

   1 to 4 years

   A college advertising or creative advertising program, a one-year copywriting graduate certificate, or a university degree in English or communications.

3. 3

   Build a portfolio

   3 to 12 months

   Eight to ten campaigns, real or invented, that show a clear idea and a clear line. This is the entire hiring decision.

4. 4

   Internship or junior role

   1 to 2 years

   Usually paired with a junior art director. You pitch ideas together and get most of them killed.

5. 5

   Mid-level and up

   3 to 8 years in

   Own your own accounts, then lead a team as a creative director or specialize in one branch such as brand voice.