Got what it takes?

A well-written essay or speech may be the key to unlocking the perfect career. If you can produce a relevant and finely-honed piece of writing, especially if it is of a persuasive nature, perhaps you should be looking for jobs in advertising after you complete your studies. Even if you have no experience in the field, a talent for communication and a 'can-do' outlook can take you far in the world of advertising and media. If you have no flair for writing, then perhaps media sales jobs in London aren't ideal for you, but writing skills can be taught and practised, so don't lose hope just yet. There are many courses available that can teach anyone the techniques required for creative, business, or persuasive writing. If you have never excelled in this area before, it does not necessarily mean that you can't in the future. Investigate at your local college or university; they may have a full or part-time writing course with a timetable to suit your schedule.

Most people trying to get their 'foot in the door' in jobs in media sales will think it necessary to go through some sort of internship or 'gopher' position in order to start climbing the corporate ladder. This may be so, but if you show initiative and commitment to your position, it will reflect well on you. Perhaps your days of brewing coffee and fetching newspapers will be limited, after all. Most employers appreciate employees who can think for themselves, at least to some degree, and are able to spot a gap that they can fill, or the best time to step back from the project. Sometimes quiet support is much more beneficial to the workplace as a whole than outspoken brashness. As with any team position, the intern needs to be able to read his or her environment and operate accordingly.

There are many types of media sales jobs available, and they are being advertised online and off. Not all of them involve logging endless hours at the business end of a telephone headset, and not all of them enforce face-to-face intimidation of potential clients. Many of them will involve at least some degree of technophilia, as you will need to become familiar with software packages, and be able to keep abreast of any changes in the advertising and publishing worlds. So even though arts majors are the most likely to get into this industry, it can be just as suitable, if not more so, for science and technology fans, especially those with a feel for language. Each job will require slightly different skills and qualifications, but after a little research and perhaps a short period of study, you could soon find yourself working in a rewarding and exciting media position.