7 answers
1
Question
Asked
1811 views
Would a degree in Business Marketing be a sufficient academic foundation for a woman seeking career success within the field of business advertising?
What would be additional steps to make towards a career in the field of advertising? Internships while attending college and/or approaching established advertising firms after graduation? Has there been success working with independent or small companies directly?
Login to comment
7 answers
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Ashlynn. A degree in Business Marketing is a very good academic foundation for those who want a career in business advertising. Marketing and advertising are closely related, and many of the things you learn in a marketing program (such as understanding customers, building brands, etc) are exactly the skills used in advertising. It is not the only degree path you can choose, but it is definitely a strong and useful one. What matters even more is the experience you gain while you are in school and after you graduate.
To get the most out of your degree, try to take classes that help you understand how people think and how to communicate ideas in a creative and effective way. Courses in digital marketing, social media, public relations, design, and data analytics can all help prepare you for the advertising field.
In addition to your education, getting hands-on experience is one of the best things you can do. Internships during college are extremely helpful. They let you learn how real advertising campaigns are made, help you meet people in the industry, and give you work you can put in a portfolio.
You should also start contacting advertising agencies before you graduate. Some agencies offer summer internships or student programs. Even if you don't get accepted right away, showing interest and staying in touch can help you build a network and open doors later.
To get the most out of your degree, try to take classes that help you understand how people think and how to communicate ideas in a creative and effective way. Courses in digital marketing, social media, public relations, design, and data analytics can all help prepare you for the advertising field.
In addition to your education, getting hands-on experience is one of the best things you can do. Internships during college are extremely helpful. They let you learn how real advertising campaigns are made, help you meet people in the industry, and give you work you can put in a portfolio.
You should also start contacting advertising agencies before you graduate. Some agencies offer summer internships or student programs. Even if you don't get accepted right away, showing interest and staying in touch can help you build a network and open doors later.
Updated
Isaac’s Answer
I think Wong's answer is very solid. One thing I'd add - if you want to be purely focused on advertising, i.e. making advertisements, I'd recommend studying advertising specifically. Having a degree in advertising will almost certainly improve your odds of getting into advertising-specific roles.
Business marketing is a more general major. It has a lot of great paths to take and different roles to pursue. I'd recommend it if you know you want to be in advertising but aren't confident you ONLY want to be focused on advertising, or if you think you might want to try other marketing-related roles out.
I'd take an intro to advertising class and intro to marketing class and see which topic you enjoy learning about and doing projects on more!
Business marketing is a more general major. It has a lot of great paths to take and different roles to pursue. I'd recommend it if you know you want to be in advertising but aren't confident you ONLY want to be focused on advertising, or if you think you might want to try other marketing-related roles out.
I'd take an intro to advertising class and intro to marketing class and see which topic you enjoy learning about and doing projects on more!
Updated
Dana’s Answer
Hi Ashlyn!
Your question is fantastic! A degree in Business Marketing gives you essential skills in business, communication, and marketing, which are all key for a career in advertising. I recommend gaining hands-on experience through internships or short-term projects. These opportunities let you apply what you've learned and discover what you enjoy and excel at. Additionally, consider taking free online courses in AI tools for business advertising. Being familiar with AI will enhance your skills and make you more adaptable in the workplace.
I hope this helps!
Dana
Your question is fantastic! A degree in Business Marketing gives you essential skills in business, communication, and marketing, which are all key for a career in advertising. I recommend gaining hands-on experience through internships or short-term projects. These opportunities let you apply what you've learned and discover what you enjoy and excel at. Additionally, consider taking free online courses in AI tools for business advertising. Being familiar with AI will enhance your skills and make you more adaptable in the workplace.
I hope this helps!
Dana
Updated
Bill’s Answer
Ashlynn, it's great that you're planning for your career. A Marketing degree is a solid foundation for a job in advertising. As you go through college, try to find internships to gain experience and learn about different advertising roles. These roles can include creating content, ad placement, using social media, and more.
Consider taking classes in communication, both written and verbal, to complement your Marketing degree. These skills are valuable in advertising.
You can also volunteer or find paid opportunities to create and publish social media content for nonprofits, school clubs, or other organizations. This will help build your experience portfolio.
Good luck with your future endeavors!
Consider taking classes in communication, both written and verbal, to complement your Marketing degree. These skills are valuable in advertising.
You can also volunteer or find paid opportunities to create and publish social media content for nonprofits, school clubs, or other organizations. This will help build your experience portfolio.
Good luck with your future endeavors!
Updated
Martina’s Answer
A degree in Business and Marketing, combined with genuine interest and hands-on experience, can absolutely pave the way for a successful career in advertising. That was my journey. I earned a Business degree and later completed an MBA in International Business and Marketing. To gain practical experience, I pursued internships across different companies and stayed engaged and up to date with the industry by following blogs, newsletters, and the latest trends. This curiosity and continuous learning gave me a strong foundation in marketing, which helped me land a role as a Paid Search Lead at a big tech company. Over the past 16 years, I’ve held multiple roles within marketing, from managing paid search, social media, and affiliate programs to leading global marketing strategy. With the right foundation, initiative, and willingness to learn, you can achieve your goals.
Updated
Voight’s Answer
Hi Ashlynn, great question. A Business Marketing degree is definitely a strong foundation if you're interested in business advertising. It teaches you the fundamentals of consumer behavior, branding, messaging, and market strategy, all of which translate directly into advertising roles.
One thing many students overlook is showing your progress along the way. Sharing what you’re learning and working on, like class projects, campaigns you’re practicing, or tools you’re exploring, on social media can help you stand out. It builds your personal brand, shows credibility, and gives future employers a clear picture of your growth in the field.
Think of it like a live portfolio. When people can see your consistency and curiosity in action, it makes your career story much stronger.
If you stay consistent with learning, creating, and documenting the journey, you will put yourself in a great position in the advertising world.
Hope this helps. Keep going, you’re on the right track.
One thing many students overlook is showing your progress along the way. Sharing what you’re learning and working on, like class projects, campaigns you’re practicing, or tools you’re exploring, on social media can help you stand out. It builds your personal brand, shows credibility, and gives future employers a clear picture of your growth in the field.
Think of it like a live portfolio. When people can see your consistency and curiosity in action, it makes your career story much stronger.
If you stay consistent with learning, creating, and documenting the journey, you will put yourself in a great position in the advertising world.
Hope this helps. Keep going, you’re on the right track.
Updated
Lindsay’s Answer
Absolutely! A degree like that can really open up many opportunities in various fields. It might involve some math or finance classes, but don't let that discourage you. I chose Advertising and Communications because I wasn't a fan of math, and it turned out to be a perfect match for me. Now, I have an exciting job in creative marketing at Universal Studios.