Dated 19th Apr, 2000

So, the creative bug has bitten you! And you think that the crazy chaos of an ad agency would suit you fine. Or, you think you can sell good ideas to clients. Well, here's what you need to know before you put your pen to paper or your fingers on the keyboard.

For the creative team:

An MA in English Literature is highly preferred, especially from the premier universities or colleges of the country. Mass Communication graduates or diploma holders with a tilt towards creative writing or features stand a good chance.

Journalists on the copy desk of newspapers or magazines who can produce a portfolio of good, catchy headlines and captions are lapped up by ad agencies.

Artists with a good hand, especially from premier institutions like the Baroda School of MS University and the JJ School of Arts, come out on top.

Creativity, imagination, and lateral thinking are at a premium.

For the accounts team:

A head for figures counts.

An ability to strike an instant rapport with clients helps.Good PR skills are welcome.

Some qualifications in marketing and sales are a definite advantage.

Effective communication matters a lot.