Advertising
Obtaining an advertising degree can give you exciting career opportunities both in the United States and abroad. While obtaining your bachelor's degree in the field, you will learn about advertising design techniques as well as execution and presentation styles. Some common curriculum topics include (but are not limited to): advertising theory, marketing techniques, campaign methods and strategy, media outlets and business, and general business management. Are you interested in learning how to promote products, brands, and certain media outlets? Can you work to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment? Are you an extrovert? In order to excel in an advertising career, you have to possess excellent communication skills, enjoy giving presentations, and willing to read and understand client needs. Because of the growth of internet companies and internet advertising, advertising majors are likely to find jobs after completing their degrees.
Common Career Paths:
Creative Director
After completing your bachelor's degree in advertising and a few years of experience, you can pursue a career as a creative director. Because of the variety of companies needing creative directors, you can choose to work in the fashion industry, media industry, or even directly in the movie industry. Companies within the entertainment industry are common employers, but you can also look into doing graphic design, web development, or software development in other types of industries. You will be in charge of reviewing product designs, usually submitted by a team you directly oversee. After some experience, you may even be put in charge of creating full layouts for certain products. Most employers require at least a bachelor's degree in advertising (or a concentration in advertising) when recruiting for potential employees. It is also possible to obtain a major in communications or marketing, with a concentration in advertising. A bachelor's degree is usually necessary because formal education gives you the preparation you need to work with new software to create certain types of layouts. Because this is a popular field, a few years of experience can be helpful to give you a competitive edge over other advertising majors. You are likely to start off as a copy editor or copywriting editor and advance to creative director after showcasing your potential. According to Pay Scale, entry level creative directors usually make anywhere from $35,000 to $65,000 a year. After about ten to nineteen years of experience, salary ranges increase to $64,586 to $107,450.
Art Director
Are you artistic? Can you make a layout aesthetically appealing? Can you work under pressure without losing your composure? An entry level career as an art director may be an exciting, interesting career opportunity for you! An art director usually works under a creative director for an advertising firm or section of a company. You will usually be required to work with a copy editor on an advertising layout before presenting it to the creative director. You will have to come up with ideas and/or creative concepts to promote various products. You usually need these ideas to line-up with certain forms of advertising techniques, such as: television/internet ads, brochures, and mailings. If you have graphic design experience, you may be in charge of vertically integrating both the idea and the actual production of the layout. However, if you are lacking graphic design skills, the company or firm you are working for may ask a hired graphic designer to help you produce the layout. After you finish your assignments, you will present your ideas to the creative director, senior media creative, and chief media director. Therefore, in order to be an art director, you should have great presentation skills! Being able to sell your layout to your firm and clients is crucial to excel in this career. Based on what types of advertisements you want to work on, you can choose from a variety of industries to work in. If you are creative and extroverted, you may find this career path both rewarding and fun! According to Pay Scale, entry-level art directors make anywhere from $26,695 to $37,500.
Graphic Designer
Do you enjoy working with new software and design technologies? Will you be able to solve technical problems when designing a layout? If you already possess a good portfolio from your design courses, you could be a hot commodity for various employers. As a graphic designer, you should be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, HTML, and XML. You will often be required to know how to produce and render different advertisements with new software. Certain tasks include drawing, offset printing, photography, and interactive media brochures for clients. You will usually have to produce layouts that help companies spread the popularity of their brand and their product. In order to be considered for a large company or firm, you usually need to have a portfolio with a variety of completed graphic design products. Bachelor's degree courses in advertising (with a concentration in graphic design) will usually help you prepare an adequate portfolio. Because of technological advances, graphic designers are no longer required to carry black books containing all their projects. You can usually apply to prospective jobs by submitting your resume and a CD with your completed projects. The most important thing you should showcase in your portfolio is projects that are memorable and aesthetically pleasing. Are you able to create advertisements that are memorable AND accessible? These qualities are important for future clients and large advertising firms, as they try to find competent graphic designers. According to Pay Scale, entry level graphic designers usually make anywhere between $26,141 to $36,499.
