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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?
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11 answers
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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.
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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!
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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
Courtney’s Answer
Hi Ashlynn -
So happy to hear that you are entertaining marketing and advertising for your career path! I'm a marketer (and a female) myself and I've had a wonderful, yet varied career in marketing. I often consider myself a marketing 'jill of all trades' as I never focused on one specific area within marketing but have gotten involved in many different aspects throughout my career. My degree is in Business Administration with a major in marketing. I wanted to have a solid business degree as a solid foundation to build upon. I absolutely think that a degree in Business Marketing would be a good foundation for your desired field of advertising. That being said, general business courses are also very important. Even if it doesn't seem like it, having a good understanding of business overall will be critical to your career.
Everyone else who has commented has made fantastic points and I echo them all. I had a great CMO mentor early on in my career and he really made a big impact on my career. He had a varied marketing background, and I learned a lot from him. I would suggest seeking a mentor (or more than one) if you haven't already. It doesn't have to be someone in your chosen field but of course that might help if it is.
Additionally, as you likely already know AI is playing a very big role in our world and its involvement will continue to grow. I'm actively taking AI courses and plan to take courses specific to marketing. I would encourage that you learn about how AI is changing and affecting marketing. Another suggestion is to understand how you can tailor your resume to be more competitive and seen by recruiters. I always think internships are a good opportunity to gain a real life understanding of how a business operates and I would highly encourage you to seek one out if you can.
Another resources I've used extensively is LinkedIn. I used them to find my current role at PwC and I've taken a lot of LinkedIn learning courses. I find that the content is good quality and relevant. The experts and others that conduct the courses provide real life examples and keep the content engaging. I would suggest scouring LinkedIn for some AI in marketing courses as well as tips for interviewing and resume writing.
I wish you all the best as you begin your career. Stay positive and be confident!
So happy to hear that you are entertaining marketing and advertising for your career path! I'm a marketer (and a female) myself and I've had a wonderful, yet varied career in marketing. I often consider myself a marketing 'jill of all trades' as I never focused on one specific area within marketing but have gotten involved in many different aspects throughout my career. My degree is in Business Administration with a major in marketing. I wanted to have a solid business degree as a solid foundation to build upon. I absolutely think that a degree in Business Marketing would be a good foundation for your desired field of advertising. That being said, general business courses are also very important. Even if it doesn't seem like it, having a good understanding of business overall will be critical to your career.
Everyone else who has commented has made fantastic points and I echo them all. I had a great CMO mentor early on in my career and he really made a big impact on my career. He had a varied marketing background, and I learned a lot from him. I would suggest seeking a mentor (or more than one) if you haven't already. It doesn't have to be someone in your chosen field but of course that might help if it is.
Additionally, as you likely already know AI is playing a very big role in our world and its involvement will continue to grow. I'm actively taking AI courses and plan to take courses specific to marketing. I would encourage that you learn about how AI is changing and affecting marketing. Another suggestion is to understand how you can tailor your resume to be more competitive and seen by recruiters. I always think internships are a good opportunity to gain a real life understanding of how a business operates and I would highly encourage you to seek one out if you can.
Another resources I've used extensively is LinkedIn. I used them to find my current role at PwC and I've taken a lot of LinkedIn learning courses. I find that the content is good quality and relevant. The experts and others that conduct the courses provide real life examples and keep the content engaging. I would suggest scouring LinkedIn for some AI in marketing courses as well as tips for interviewing and resume writing.
I wish you all the best as you begin your career. Stay positive and be confident!
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Jake’s Answer
Hi Ashlynn,
The people above make a lot of great points. I'd say the Business/Marketing major gives you a great deal of flexibility - that was what I graduated in and I'm currently in Recruiting/Sales, but I'm keeping myself open to going back to Marketing and a half dozen other things. At University of Delaware there was a Women in Business club and a couple others catered to women specifically - I'd try at least one of those because those will be the people in the most similar spot currently and will show you what you do and don't like. I think business fraternities can be a great move too (I was in DSP, learned what I do and don't like there for sure!).
I'd just encourage you to lean into your passions, even the ones that seem completely unrelated because that will A) make you happier and B) help you find clarity. I found the most important thing I gained from college was being able to think more critically and be decisive, which is something a textbook never technically teaches. Work very hard (network with alumni!!) and play hard, and that combo will help you know what the next steps should be. You'll make mistakes along the way, but you'll kill it regardless!
The people above make a lot of great points. I'd say the Business/Marketing major gives you a great deal of flexibility - that was what I graduated in and I'm currently in Recruiting/Sales, but I'm keeping myself open to going back to Marketing and a half dozen other things. At University of Delaware there was a Women in Business club and a couple others catered to women specifically - I'd try at least one of those because those will be the people in the most similar spot currently and will show you what you do and don't like. I think business fraternities can be a great move too (I was in DSP, learned what I do and don't like there for sure!).
I'd just encourage you to lean into your passions, even the ones that seem completely unrelated because that will A) make you happier and B) help you find clarity. I found the most important thing I gained from college was being able to think more critically and be decisive, which is something a textbook never technically teaches. Work very hard (network with alumni!!) and play hard, and that combo will help you know what the next steps should be. You'll make mistakes along the way, but you'll kill it regardless!
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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!
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Bre’s Answer
Starting with business marketing is a great foundation for business advertising. While you're still in school, keep learning and building on this knowledge, as it will really help you in the future. If you're interested, consider exploring advertising too, since it's closely related. You're definitely on the right path to achieving great success in your future endeavors. Keep going!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Diana’s Answer
Yes, a degree in Business Marketing can be a solid and sufficient academic foundation for a woman seeking career success in the field of business advertising. Marketing programs typically cover essential topics such as consumer behavior, market research, advertising strategies, brand management, digital marketing, and communication skills—all highly relevant to a career in advertising.
However, success in advertising also depends on building practical skills and experience, such as:
Creative thinking and storytelling
Understanding of various media channels (digital, social, print)
Data analytics and measuring campaign effectiveness
Networking within the industry
Internships or hands-on projects in advertising agencies or related companies
Additionally, since advertising is a dynamic and competitive field, staying updated with industry trends, new technologies, and continuing education (such as certifications or workshops in digital marketing, social media advertising, etc.) can further enhance career prospects.
Overall, a degree in Business Marketing provides a strong theoretical and practical foundation, and combined with real-world experience and continuous learning, can lead to a successful career in business advertising regardless of gender.
However, success in advertising also depends on building practical skills and experience, such as:
Creative thinking and storytelling
Understanding of various media channels (digital, social, print)
Data analytics and measuring campaign effectiveness
Networking within the industry
Internships or hands-on projects in advertising agencies or related companies
Additionally, since advertising is a dynamic and competitive field, staying updated with industry trends, new technologies, and continuing education (such as certifications or workshops in digital marketing, social media advertising, etc.) can further enhance career prospects.
Overall, a degree in Business Marketing provides a strong theoretical and practical foundation, and combined with real-world experience and continuous learning, can lead to a successful career in business advertising regardless of gender.