So, you’re thinking about diving into the world of advertising? Maybe you’ve been dreaming about working on big campaigns, collaborating with creative minds, and attending those vibey events where everyone’s sipping cocktails and talking strategy. Yes, those moments do happen. But before you get too swept up in the excitement, let’s set some expectations.

I’ve been in the industry for over a decade now, and as an industry veteran, I’ve worked both agency-side and client-side. I’ve been involved in everything from local campaigns to national and global ones. With an MA in Strategic Communication and PR, a BA in Mass Communication, another BA in Political Science, and a minor in Broadcast Journalism, I’ve seen it all.

For every magazine I’ve worked on, every celebrity I’ve crossed paths with, and every Super Bowl campaign I’ve been a part of, there have been late nights, crazy bosses, and some unexpected hurdles. Advertising isn’t just about the parties—it’s about rolling with the punches and getting the job done, no matter what.

Here’s my unfiltered list of what you really need to know before stepping into the advertising world.

1. The Vibes? Vibing. The Pay? It’s a Journey.

Let’s start with the fun part—you’ll get invited to cool events, meet interesting people, and yes, even rub elbows with the occasional celebrity. But don’t expect to be swimming in champagne or signing deals like the latest A-lister immediately out the gate.

While advertising can pay well, especially as you gain experience, you’ll likely have to work your way up. Expect to hustle, put in your hours, and prove your worth. The perks come, but they’re earned. Don’t be discouraged if you’re not rolling in cash from day one—just know it’s part of the journey.

2. Late Nights? Sometimes. Early Mornings? Yup.

This isn’t a typical 9-to-5 job, and that’s part of the excitement! But let’s be real—you will find yourself working late nights, sometimes even weekends, to meet those tight deadlines or put the finishing touches on a project.

It’s all about managing your time and keeping your energy up when those long stretches come around. And yes, sometimes it will feel like you’re living off coffee, but if you’re passionate about what you do, you’ll find ways to make it work. The key is staying organized, prioritizing self-care when you can, and remembering that it’s all worth it in the end.

3. Expect a Few Eccentric Bosses

Advertising is filled with creative minds—so, naturally, you’ll meet a few bosses who are a little, well, eccentric. Some will be brilliant and inspiring, while others might drive you a little crazy. It’s all part of the deal when working in a fast-paced, high-pressure industry.

The good news? You’ll learn a lot from them—about the industry, about leadership, and about how to navigate through different personalities. You’ll have a chance to work with some truly inspiring people, but also keep in mind that sometimes, you’ll need to adapt and figure out how to manage working styles that may not always line up with yours.

4. Job Security? Be Ready to Adapt.

Advertising is a constantly changing industry. Clients change their minds, projects get pulled, and companies can sometimes face unexpected challenges. It can be unpredictable, but that’s part of what keeps things exciting.

Flexibility is key. The more adaptable you are, the easier it will be to keep up when things shift or when new opportunities pop up. It’s all about being prepared to pivot quickly and stay on your toes. But don’t worry—if you’re proactive, keep learning, and build solid relationships, you’ll always find your way forward.

5. Creativity Is All About Collaboration and Problem-Solving

When you think of advertising, you probably imagine coming up with jaw-dropping, brilliant ideas. And while that does happen, the reality is that much of the work involves collaboration and problem-solving. You’ll often need to balance creative ideas with client needs, budgets, and timelines.

Your most creative idea might get killed off for being “too bold” or “not on brand” for the client. Advertising isn’t always about pushing boundaries—it’s about managing client egos, keeping everyone happy, and making sure the final product is marketable. Creativity? Sure. But it’s usually squeezed between deadlines and endless edits.

6. It Will Push You, But You’ll Grow So Much

Here’s the thing: advertising will challenge you. It will test your creativity, your resilience, and your ability to manage stress. But that’s exactly what makes it such a rewarding career.

If you’re up for the challenge, you’ll walk away from tough projects having learned more about yourself, your strengths, and how to work in high-pressure environments. The industry demands a lot, but if you’re passionate and driven, you’ll grow and improve with every project. And those moments of success? They’ll feel that much sweeter.

The Journey Is Worth the Ride

Advertising is a fast-paced rollercoaster of chaos, curveballs, and endless hustle. It’s not always sexy—forget red carpets and champagne unless you’re willing to sweat through 3am campaign edits and sit through endless meetings with clients who think they’re experts because they’ve seen a few ads on Instagram. But here’s the kicker: it forces you to be dynamic, adaptable, and constantly on your toes. You’ll learn to pivot faster than your ego can keep up, and if you’re lucky, you might even come out the other side with some serious skills to show for it.

So yeah, it’s messy, exhausting, and not for the faint of heart—but it’s also where you’ll learn to thrive and have the most diverse and dynamic set of skills in your toolbox.