How do you get into advertising? Do you have to go into business/commerce?
I’m in first year university and I’m feeling pretty lost about what I want to go into and if the classes I’m taking are right. I was thinking of advertising as a possibility but I have no clue how to even get into it. Do you need to go into business/commerce? Or can you get an undergrad degree in, for example, history or english? Is there a certain program you would try to get into for your undergrad?
It all really depends on what you want to do in advertising. There’s a little bit of everything in advertising. Do you want to be on the creative side? sales? media buying? Most people, when they want to get into advertising, are looking to get into the creative side.
If that’s the case then I would not recommend getting a business degree. Business is very structured with a lot of guidelines, whereas the creative side of advertising is kind of all over the place, spontaneous and innovative. If you walk into an ad agency looking for a creative job, and you have a business degree, chances are you will not get the job. They might think you’re too boring and can’t think outside the box.
For creative, agencies are looking for more "general" degrees, such as communication. Being able to communicate your point effectively is going to give you a head start. And then maybe follow that up with a minor in marketing, sociology and/or art. There are even colleges out there that have advertising majors! And, if you are getting into creative, you must follow up your degree with a good portfolio school so you have something to show when you walk in for an interview. Also, never turn down an internship opportunity, even if its unpaid, because that’s how you break into this business.
I hope that helps, good luck with your education and career!
October 26th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
It all really depends on what you want to do in advertising. There’s a little bit of everything in advertising. Do you want to be on the creative side? sales? media buying? Most people, when they want to get into advertising, are looking to get into the creative side.
If that’s the case then I would not recommend getting a business degree. Business is very structured with a lot of guidelines, whereas the creative side of advertising is kind of all over the place, spontaneous and innovative. If you walk into an ad agency looking for a creative job, and you have a business degree, chances are you will not get the job. They might think you’re too boring and can’t think outside the box.
For creative, agencies are looking for more "general" degrees, such as communication. Being able to communicate your point effectively is going to give you a head start. And then maybe follow that up with a minor in marketing, sociology and/or art. There are even colleges out there that have advertising majors! And, if you are getting into creative, you must follow up your degree with a good portfolio school so you have something to show when you walk in for an interview. Also, never turn down an internship opportunity, even if its unpaid, because that’s how you break into this business.
I hope that helps, good luck with your education and career!
References :
Experience.