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Advertising - Account Management

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Program Code: 15051
Credential: Ontario Graduate Certificate
Start Dates: September
Program Length: 3 semesters
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Humber is proud to have the highest graduate employment and employer satisfaction rate of the GTA colleges based on Colleges Ontario’s key performance indicators for college graduates in 2022-2023.

Program Overview

Looking to combine expertise in strategy, creativity and process management with writing, presentation and communication skills to contribute to the fast-paced, creative world of advertising? Then a career in Advertising may be perfect for you.

Humber’s Advertising - Account Management (AAM) graduate certificate program will prepare you to effectively manage a client-focused creative process. With your AAM skills you can choose to work either in an advertising agency or a company’s marketing department. Develop advertising campaigns with your team by leveraging brand strategy, digital planning and client-agency relationships, and prepare to be part of a team capable of creating and driving strong communication plans. This program has been running for years and is a success with graduates in many different roles in the industry.

In the AAM program, you will develop a greater understanding of the world of creative advertising. Over eight months, you will prepare integrated communication plans designed to reach target audiences on the technology they are using. Work integrated learning begins after the successful completion of all courses in May. You will write creative briefs, set objectives, define strategies and work with teams to see some tactics come to life.

This program is primarily directed at creating confident advertising agency account managers but is very adaptable to other communication or design-based roles. Students have worked for companies in need of skillful client, media and project management talent.

The AAM program is a unique, writing-intensive program that explores skills from the advertising and creative side and the project management process. You will develop your presentation and communication skills to better liaise with creative and client-side teams. Additionally, students will examine closely digital and social marketing strategies, strategic brand management and project management and practice what they will experience during their field experience.

Engaging classes include many industry guest speakers, current communication challenges, in-class activities and case studies. A mix of in-class and online courses makes balancing work and school life easier.

Humber’s approach to the practical application of knowledge will enable you to build confidently on your existing learning and move ahead.

By incorporating people skills and critical thinking, you will acquire the essential knowledge to contribute to the fast-paced, creative world of advertising.

As a graduate, you will be an asset in three key areas:

·       client relationships

·       creativity

·       process management

Ultimately, you will learn to solve specific advertising and marketing communications challenges by providing strategic insights into consumer behaviour. You will also learn the link between successful creative and client success criteria including return on investment (ROI and ROMI) and revenue goals, and how to develop briefs that inspire grounded, effective, and exciting works.

Digital storytelling and new communications platforms are integrated throughout the program. An in-depth understanding of integrated marketing communications and its relationship to business will help you succeed in this complex and challenging field. In support of the field experience process, the Humber AAM program offers dedicated support as you progress through your field experience search. We strive to support each student as they carve out their niche in the industry and find their own fit. Visit wellsuitedhumber.com to see the field experience site for this program. 

When you join this program, you will also meet other postgraduate students who hope to work in the industry alongside you.

Humber offers certificates in Advertising Copywriting, Account Management and Art Direction where these students have combined courses to learn the necessary skills in a new, innovative format.

Replicating the ad industry itself, the Ad Studio course allows students from the three advertising disciplines to work together in creative teams. Your networking begins day one.

Just like in the real world. Only at Humber.

Is this program right for me?

A career in advertising is demanding but exciting. But how will you know if the Advertising - Account Management program is right for you?

Ask yourself these questions:

·       Do you want to start networking on day one?

·       Are you interested in understanding how advertising strategies come to life?

·       Do you have strong writing skills?

·       Are you excited about creating plans and watching them come to life?

·       Do you want to work with teams of creative and business minds?

·       Do you want to work at or with some of the world’s best agencies and/or brands?

·       Do you want to meet others who will be in the industry with you, including copywriters and art directors?

If you answered yes to these questions, then this program may be the right path for you.

Courses Open "Courses" to view individual course delivery modes.

Courses

At Humber, courses are delivered in a variety of formats:

In-Person - An in-person course is delivered fully on campus.

Online Asynchronous (A) - An online asynchronous course has no fixed class schedule and allows students to engage with the course at different times according to their needs. Faculty provide modules, which are completed independently by the students according to established deadlines.

Online Synchronous (S) - An online synchronous course is delivered fully online and requires faculty and students to participate in real-time according to a fixed schedule. Classes are scheduled for a specific day and time.

Hybrid - A hybrid course is a combination of in-person and online classes and follows a set schedule. Students must be available to attend in-person classes at scheduled times during the semester.

The chart below outlines the delivery options available for each course in this program, by campus. For some academic terms, there may be more than one delivery option available. You’ll be able to select your preferred options when building your course schedule during open enrolment. Preferences for course delivery will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Some Humber programs are also delivered fully online, where all courses are delivered online.

International students: the impact of studying from outside of Canada on Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility differs significantly based on when you start your program. Please review the PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.

Course code and Name Delivery Type by Location
Course Code Course Name North Lakeshore IGS DL/Online
Semester 1
AAM 5015 Project Management 1 N/A Hybrid N/A Hybrid
AAM 5020 Introduction to Marketing N/A In-Person N/A N/A
AAM 5025 Client/Agency Relationships N/A In-Person N/A N/A
AAM 5111 Ideation and Creative for Account Management N/A In-Person N/A N/A
AAM 5115 Advertising Studio 1 Accounts Management Skills and Perspective N/A In-Person N/A N/A
FAA 5000 Introduction to Advertising N/A In-Person N/A N/A
FAA 5005 Creative Brief Development and Strategy N/A In-Person N/A N/A
Semester 2
AAM 5030 Strategic Brand Planning N/A In-Person N/A N/A
AAM 5035 Project Management 2 N/A N/A N/A Hybrid
AAM 5050 Persuasion and Leadership N/A In-Person N/A N/A
AAM 5055 Communications Channel Planning N/A In-Person N/A N/A
AAM 5065 Digital and Social Strategies N/A Online (S) N/A Online (S)
AAM 5215 Ad Studio 2 Advertising Accounts Skills and Perspective N/A In-Person N/A N/A
FAA 5205 Professional Practice N/A Online (A) N/A N/A
Semester 3
AAM 5060 Field Experience - Advertising - Account Management N/A Hybrid
In-Person
Online (A)
Online (S)
N/A N/A

Work-Integrated Learning  

Students will gain practical, hands-on experience in the industry by completing a mandatory in their final semester of study. After completing a field experience preparation course, students will be supported in marketing themselves to prospective employers in order to find a field experience that aligns with their personal career goals.

BuildingF (formerly the AdCentre) brings marketers and agencies together with advanced students from virtually any Humber program to produce strategic creative content and technology solutions.

Instead of just being given a grade for assignments, students work with real clients, on actual accounts, receiving first-hand experience in the field.

The disciplines that can be accessed through BuildingF include anything found in a modern advertising, account management, design or PR agency, including brand experience design, communications marketing, advertising design, writing, production, and much more.

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"University was a great way to explore and debate a range of theories in a safe bubble. I had a great experience but felt I was still missing the practical experience needed to kick-start my career in advertising. Humber’s AAM program was the perfect boot camp to prepare me for the ad industry. I learned from seasoned industry vets with decades of experience, while being thrust into simulated real-world situations—my favourite being our pitch competition through the Humber Ad Centre. You’ll deal with surprises every day in this industry but the AAM program will fill in a lot of initial blanks. Looking back now, I can’t imagine starting my internship right out of university. I owe a lot to AAM to allow me to hit the ground running." 

- Luke Whitty, Account Supervisor at Lg2


"Going back to school and doing the AAM program at Humber was the best choice I have made for myself. This program opened me up to the exciting world of advertising and helped set me up for success in this industry. The classes are interactive and prepare you with skills and knowledge to be an amazing Account Manager. The professors provide unique perspectives, making each class different, interesting, and fun!"

- Emily Bernatt, Account Manager at JAM Direct Inc.


"From the first few classes in the AAM program, I knew that I’d found the right career as well as the right place to learn about it. I was able to explore my own strengths and weaknesses, gain valuable understanding of the advertising business, and make connections with the top agencies in the country as the program came to a close. I hit the ground running thanks to AAM and I believe it set me apart in a competitive industry."

- Jay Fleming, Senior Director at Rethink. 


"From the first few classes in the AAM program, I knew that I’d found the right career as well as the right place to learn about it. I was able to explore my own strengths and weaknesses, gain valuable understanding of the advertising business, and make connections with the top agencies in the country as the program came to a close. I hit the ground running thanks to AAM and I believe it set me apart in a competitive industry."

- Gib Hassan, Account Manager, Global Partnerships at MLSE​.


"My time at Humber was significant to my personal development on many levels. The program made me consider how I present myself to others, how to work with people according to their strengths and how to delicately handle client communication. I'm grateful to all the Professors from whom I sought insight and advice. Their genuine interest in student development was apparent on many occasions, and was crucially important as I prepared to enter the Advertising industry. Thank you Humber, Hello AdWorld!"

- Ben Goss, former Account Executive at BBDO and current Alumni Relations Manager at the University of Toronto.

A Virtual Networking Event

Historically, Well Suited has been an in-person event where industry professionals and aspiring Advertising Account Management interns can mingle and get to know one another. With this no longer an option due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, we have transformed Well Suited into a website that displays each student’s profile with the ability to schedule one-on-one interviews, for your consideration.

Internal Scholarship Opportunities for AAM students

Noela was a true professional who believed in the value of meaningful client relationships, so it is only fitting that the Noela Costa Memorial Scholarship will be presented to a student in the Advertising – Account Management (Graduate Certificate) program within the Faculty of Media and Creative Arts. The student selected will be the one who best exhibits the spirit and traits that made Noela such a special person to those who were fortunate enough to spend time with her. We know this will allow her story to be told and her legacy to continue for many years through the successes of the recipients.

Build transferable skills – and a strong network

The AAM courses are designed for your learning and success. You do not have to have an advertising or marketing background to apply as we ensure you learn and build on advertising practices in each semester. Then we build on your skills learned to ensure your confidence from day one.

This curriculum includes a focus on collaboration, communication, digital fluency, and problem solving in advertising agencies and with clients and brands. You build skills that companies want and can use across roles.

How do you build success?

A variety of approaches to learning and teamwork drive your learning journey. Beyond videos, work with live clients and current relevant case studies. Participate from week one in immersive Advertising Studio classes where students start networking from day one. Build fundamentals through lecture, discussion, case studies, real client projects and presentations and flex your advertising skills on class projects. Network with other post-graduate advertising programs and build your communication skills on your path to success.

Been there – can help with that!

As a student in this program, you will have the advantage of learning from our talented industry experts: award-winning entrepreneurs and creative problem solvers who will bring their experience to each lecture, class exercise and challenge, offering guidance and feedback on every project.

Work-Integrated Learning – and AAM Well Suited Event

The Humber AAM program is respected in part because employers know you understand your role and can get the job done once you have successfully completed the course work and your work-integrated learning. There are several ways Humber supports students to find their placement, including specific courses, connections with the industry and AAM’s own Well Suited website and event.

Your future awaits. Join us today!

Expert Faculty

SCROLL FOR MORE  

Humber Advertising Account Management (AAM) professors are award winning and industry recognized. The AAM team includes highly qualified full-time and part-time instructors including program lead Marilyn A. Cresswell, whose successes in industry and contributions to branding and media are recognized by regular invitations to work as a judge. The teaching staff also includes Dr. Colin Flint, Elizabeth Dempster, Merrill Pierce, R. Thompson, and Anika Chabra. This diverse cross-section of instructors remains closely connected with the branding, marketing and advertising industries on both the client and agency side in order to drive your success as a graduate. Their consistent delivery of high-quality and relevant content recently earned the program recognition as a “Jewel in the Crown” of Humber.

faculty image
Elizabeth Dempster

Liz is currently a professor in the Bachelor of Creative Advertising, the Post Graduate certificate in Account Management, and the Diploma in Advertising and Graphic Design programs. Her industry experience ranges from agency, media, and in-house; working with clients like: Rogers, Kraft, Unilever, P&G, Reckitt Benckiser, SC Johnston, Campbell's, and Cadbury. Educationally, Liz has always had a focus on design and art direction with her Undergrad, Post Graduate, and Masters work/research all centering on design thinking.

faculty image
Merrill Pierce

Merrill Pierce is the CEO of The Pierce Group - MPSquared Coaching Inc. She is an experienced executive leadership coach and facilitator specializing in the challenges facing today's senior and c-suite executives, particularly leadership resilience, leadership capacity, team effectiveness, and transition planning to name just a few. Merrill has been bringing her experience from industry and the advertising world to the AAM students in creative and completing ways for over a decade.

Your Career

Our graduates find jobs on both the client and agency side with local, national and international advertising agencies, marketing strategy agencies, and leading business and consumer brands. Typical roles include:

  • account executive/liaison officer
  • account co-ordinator/manager
  • advertising and account manager
  • assistant account manager
  • brand manager
  • digital strategist
  • junior account manager
  • media sales representative
  • process manager
  • project manager
  • social media manager
  • advertising traffic co-ordinator
  • brand co-ordinator
  • digital media co-ordinator
  • market researcher
  • marketing/advertising specialist
  • media researcher
  • programmatic campaign co-ordinator
  • social media co-ordinator

Opportunities are changing, and your skills will allow you to change with them.

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students in Canada who apply for May 2024 start could be eligible for a $1,000 Scholarship*. Apply now

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students Out of Canada can Apply through Humber International

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How Humber Advertising Programs Get You Industry-Ready

Advertising at Humber Video

Watch the video to learn more about Humber's Advertising programs.


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Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Marilyn Cresswell, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 3022
marilyn.cresswell@humber.ca

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Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

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Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

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Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

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Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following four requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • A bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • Resume and Cover Letter

  • Applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter that describes their interest and background in this field of study. Experience in this field is not required. Some work experience is considered an asset.

    Submission Instructions

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

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Equipment & Device Requirements

Fall and Winter

Details and Specifications Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications
Mac or PC Ability to run Adobe Creative Suite MAC 10.14 (Mojave), PC Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac)
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Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Marilyn Cresswell, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 3022
marilyn.cresswell@humber.ca

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for three semesters is:

  • domestic: $6,170.56
  • international: $19,169.12

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
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