Comparing Roles in Ad Agencies and Product Design Orgs: Part 1
Strategy and Administrative Roles
When exploring careers in advertising agencies and product design organizations, the differences in day-to-day responsibilities, team structures, and deliverables can feel vast. However, many strategy and administrative roles in these two industries share striking similarities in purpose and execution, even if their titles or scopes vary.
This article breaks down the parallels between strategy and administrative roles in both industries, highlighting the overlap in responsibilities and where these roles diverge.
Overview: Similarities Across the Two Worlds
Despite the differences in focus—campaign-based projects in agencies versus long-term product development in product organizations—both industries aim to:
Solve user or client challenges through strategic solutions.
Balance business objectives with team execution.
Foster collaboration across cross-functional teams (e.g., strategy, account, project management).
Deliver impactful work that achieves specific goals, whether those are conversions, engagement, or usability.
| Advertising Role | Comparable Product Role(s) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Account Executive | Program Manager, Product Manager | Account Executives manage client relationships and deliverables, similar to how Program Managers oversee cross-functional coordination and Product Managers align deliverables to business goals. |
| Project Manager | Program Manager, Scrum Master | Project Managers track timelines, budgets, and resources, comparable to Scrum Masters and Program Managers who manage team workflows and dependencies. |
| Strategist | Product Strategist, Design Strategist | Strategists develop campaign plans and audience insights; Product and Design Strategists focus on aligning user needs with business objectives. |
| Media Manager | Growth Manager, Marketing Manager | Media Managers run paid campaigns, which aligns with Growth Managers or Marketing Managers who focus on user acquisition and engagement strategies. |
Deep Dive: Combined Disciplines and Shared Responsibilities
Account Executive vs. Program Manager + Product Manager
Account Executives act as the primary liaison between the client and the agency, ensuring that deliverables meet client expectations. Similarly, Program Managers coordinate across teams to deliver projects, while Product Managers focus on aligning business objectives with user needs. The primary difference is that Product Managers have a more user-centric approach, while Account Executives prioritize client satisfaction.
Strategist vs. Product Strategist + Design Strategist
Strategists in agencies focus on audience insights and messaging, developing plans for campaigns. Product Strategists and Design Strategists use similar skills to define product features and prioritize user needs, ensuring the final design aligns with both user and business goals.
Project Manager vs. Scrum Master + Program Manager
Project Managers track deliverables, budgets, and timelines—skills shared with Scrum Masters, who ensure agile workflows, and Program Managers, who oversee team dependencies and coordination.
Why This Comparison Matters
For professionals considering a career shift between these two industries, understanding these role comparisons can highlight transferable skills and uncover opportunities for growth. Whether you’re an Account Executive looking to pivot into program management or a Media Manager interested in growth strategies, these overlaps make transitions achievable with the right preparation.