GENERAL: 

Business acumen; interest in social and economic trends; numeracy; communication skills; team spirit; ability to withstand the high stress levels of an extremely competitive environment; ability to handle criticism-whether or not it is justified; ability to work under pressure; stamina; resilience; persistence.

CREATIVE: 

Discipline; originality; ability to deliver uncomplicated messages/images; ability to produce
writing/design most suitable to campaign requirements.

MEDIA OPERATIONS: 

Numeracy, objectivity, logical, analytical brain.

TRAINING:

Training in the advertising industry is usually gained on the job as a trainee or probationer. Some institutions, however, conduct specialized courses in advertising-often linked with mass communication, sales and marketing or public relations. Most of these are post-graduate training
programmes. 

Academic programme courses generally include an overview of communications with an introduction to research methods; an understanding of marketing issues; financial and creative aspects of advertising; public relations; media planning and some technical training in graphics and
production. 

Students work in groups on practical issues such as problem solving or campaign development and are expected to submit a project of their choice for evaluation at the end of the course. Some institutions offer students the opportunity of familiarizing themselves with the work environment by placing them with an advertising agency or related organization for a short period.
Most institutions award post-graduate diplomas.