For instance, our strategic planners will involve outside industry experts to get a fresh perspective on a client's business. We've invited anthropologists to better acquaint our staff with new consumer trends. Within the agency community in Baltimore, we have called upon our colleagues to work together in raising the caliber of creativity in Baltimore to attract more national clients. I'm also a big believer in professional associations. Playing an active role in a variety of advertising and hospitality marketing associations has exposed me to new ideas and concepts, which have greatly broadened my capabilities.
Creative salaries are slightly higher due to the demand for quality talent.
There's certainly no ceiling - the most highly paid executives in advertising today oftentimes make more than their client counterparts. Most agencies have profit-sharing programs which reward employees when objectives are met and exceeded. Ten years ago I would have rattled off the five largest agencies in New York. Students are well advised to look for employment at smaller agencies to find more opportunity to learn and contribute. Larger agencies are more bureaucratic and regimented - it is more difficult to make a mark and to be recognized.