Employers

Traffic managers work for advertising agencies. They may also work for public relations companies and related services. In May 2019, approximately 28,600 advertising and promotions managers, including traffic managers, were working in the United States. The majority work in advertising, public relations, and related businesses, while others are employed in radio and TV broadcasting and in newspaper, book, periodical, and directory publishers.

Starting Out

Traffic managers may start as interns or in entry-level positions in traffic management departments and work their way up through the ranks. Most companies prefer to hire traffic managers with at least three or more years of experience in traffic management or creative services. They often find jobs through professional associations, employment Web sites, and by networking at industry events. School career services offices may also have job and internship postings in advertising, public relations, and marketing agencies.

Traffic managers with more than four or five years of experience may advance to become senior traffic managers. Their responsibilities may expand to include managing staff and studying the traffic management process and making recommendations to improve efficiencies while cutting costs. Traffic managers may become independent consultants, working on a project-by-project basis for advertising agencies, public relations companies, and related services.

Get a foot in the door by taking an internship in the traffic department or other creative services department of an advertising agency.

Explore the Web sites of professional associations such as the 4As and the Advertising Educational Foundation to learn more about upcoming events and networking opportunities.

Read industry publications such as Ad Age (https://adage.com) and Adweek (https://www.adweek.com) for industry news, webinars, events, and job postings.