5 answers
5
Questions
Asked
441 views
What should I major or learn to become a business /advetising marketer what niche should my business be so that it will be successful? Im 17 years old?
I like art, I paint, im good at media arts and social media, but i don't know if I should go to college.
Login to comment
5 answers
Updated
Lindsay’s Answer
If you want to work in marketing someday, consider majoring in advertising or business. If you dislike math, advertising might be a better choice because it involves fewer finance classes. The marketing and advertising fields will change a lot in the next few years so its sort of hard to suggest what niche part of the business you should pursue. With a degree in advertising, marketing, or business, you can work in many different places, like a medical company's marketing department or in creative marketing for a big movie or theme park company. As you near the end of college, try to get internships at advertising agencies. These can lead to many opportunities. I did two internships before getting a full-time job.
Updated
Rou Ying’s Answer
Agree - advertising, marketing or a business media degree definitely equips you with the foundation you need to start. That said, I feel real-world experience is crucial in this field. Nothing equips you better than getting hands-on, and internships are a great way to do so. I would recommend starting at an ad agency - you not only get exposed to clients from different verticals and understand how different businesses operate and prioritize, but also learn different parts of the advertising come together (from creative work, to media planning, to media buying). I took a gap semester during Uni to do an internship at an agency and the experience (and connections I built) was invaluable.
Updated
Erin’s Answer
I think Lindsay’s answer is spot‑on. I’d personally recommend college for you — it doesn’t need to be a big or “fancy” university. The knowledge, exposure, and connections you get are especially valuable if you want to work in marketing or as a creative.
Majors like marketing, advertising, communications, business, or digital/media arts would all be good fits. Personally, I majored in Marketing and minored in Fine Arts (incl Studio Arts and humanities – so interesting). Whatever you choose, take some math/finance, tech, and general business/management classes. That mix gives you a strong foundation and makes you more competitive later on.
In parallel, start applying early for summer internships, even after freshman year. Don’t just look at ad agencies — also look at companies with in‑house marketing, social media, and PR teams, because more brands are bringing that work inside. You can also volunteer to assist local non-profits and small businesses with marketing activities. I worked with a university club and our sponsored animal shelter to co-manage their adopt-a-thons.
For your "niche”: there’s no one perfect niche that guarantees success. Start where your interests overlap — for you that might be social media content, brand design, or marketing for small local businesses, artists, or other creatives. Try different projects and see what you enjoy and what people will pay you for; your niche will get clearer over time.
If you decide college isn’t right for you right away, people do succeed by working, taking online courses, and building a strong portfolio — but it usually takes more self‑direction. Either way, be flexible, curious, and hard‑working, and give yourself some grace. You’re at the very start of your life and career; your interests should grow and change as you go. “Creative” can be leveraged in a lot of different ways.
Majors like marketing, advertising, communications, business, or digital/media arts would all be good fits. Personally, I majored in Marketing and minored in Fine Arts (incl Studio Arts and humanities – so interesting). Whatever you choose, take some math/finance, tech, and general business/management classes. That mix gives you a strong foundation and makes you more competitive later on.
In parallel, start applying early for summer internships, even after freshman year. Don’t just look at ad agencies — also look at companies with in‑house marketing, social media, and PR teams, because more brands are bringing that work inside. You can also volunteer to assist local non-profits and small businesses with marketing activities. I worked with a university club and our sponsored animal shelter to co-manage their adopt-a-thons.
For your "niche”: there’s no one perfect niche that guarantees success. Start where your interests overlap — for you that might be social media content, brand design, or marketing for small local businesses, artists, or other creatives. Try different projects and see what you enjoy and what people will pay you for; your niche will get clearer over time.
If you decide college isn’t right for you right away, people do succeed by working, taking online courses, and building a strong portfolio — but it usually takes more self‑direction. Either way, be flexible, curious, and hard‑working, and give yourself some grace. You’re at the very start of your life and career; your interests should grow and change as you go. “Creative” can be leveraged in a lot of different ways.
Updated
Kara M.’s Answer
Wonderful insights from my fellow contributors. Lindsay talks about changes in advertising, and I think AI will play a big role in that. Since you're interested in the creative side, I suggest learning important tools like Runway and Canva. With these skills, plus your degree and internships, you're on the path to success. You've got this!
Santiago Urra
Director of Communications, CSR and Strategic Projects
4
Answers
Updated
Santiago’s Answer
Definitely Keep Studying and you will learn and discover much more options and about your own likes and future career in Advertising, Marketing or Business which by the way are absolutely different sectors. You are young enough and education and training is crucial for your evolution in these categories or any others you may find you like. Try If possible to work while studying classes and learning hard skills and practice so you can discover by yourself if you really like to create ads, become a marketeer or make business or any other. Good luck!