Advertising sales agent: high school diploma or a degree, then training on the job
Advertising sales agents typically need at least a high school diploma; some employers require or prefer a bachelor's degree. Training is usually on the job, alongside an experienced agent.
For: Confident people who can make cold calls, handle rejection and meet sales quotas.
Route 1: High school diploma → training alongside an experienced agent Typical
Courses in marketing, communications, business and advertising are helpful.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Advertising Sales Agents — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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On the job
Training with an experienced agent
Employers also may give formal training, for example for a specialized market segment.
BLS
Advertising Sales Agents — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Advertising sales agent
BLS
Advertising Sales Agents — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 2: Agent → account executive or sales manager Moving up
Agents with leadership experience and a strong sales record may advance.
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Start here
Advertising sales agent
BLS
Advertising Sales Agents — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Track record
Strong sales record and leadership
BLS
Advertising Sales Agents — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Sales manager, account executive or VP of sales
Some move to other areas, such as corporate sales.
Sales managerBLS
Advertising Sales Agents — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.