How do I stand out?

My advice in this is : stay abreast . Especially on digital advertising things evolve in a fast pace. join digital advertising communities, visit periodically http://www.adweek.com/ see what's hot, was not anymore etc. Do you know Chartboost or nativex ? if you don't go and find out now. Advertising for mobile is a very hot topic generating big bucks in the industry.

Advertising is a great degree choice because it is multidisciplinary combining design, communication, marketing, media, and psychology. Getting any kind of experience is a good way to start. This could include working at a local newspaper or radio station outlet as well as going the traditional agency route. You'll need to decide if you want to focus on copywriting/creative, media planning/buying or account service. I encourage you to take any opportunity related to these when you start out. Also, don't overlook the client side of the advertising equation. In my opinion, the power resides on the client side rather than the agency side. Agency work tends to get all the attention but the client side controls the budget. Best of luck to you!

Hi Amanda!

I agree with making sure your resume is polished. I've seen some great resumes from Advertising majors who clearly put a little extra effort into the layout, font selection, etc. Alexander is right though - make sure it's free of errors. I also recommend getting some project experience through an internship, team project for a company, side work, summer jobs, etc. It's important to show that you are getting experience and are building a portfolio. Don't be afraid to take something a little less traditional or with a smaller company to get some valuable experience.

Good luck!

Hi Amanda

it is a very competitive field indeed. Make sure your CV gives a good first impression.
- no spelling or grammar mistakes
- keep it clean, easy to read and highlight the areas that could be useful for the job you apply to
- change the CV content so that it is adapted for the specific job you apply for. E.g. If the job need certain skills, than make sure these are highlighted first in your CV, etc.
- try to keep your CV between 2-4 pages (2 pages is better)
- bring examples of your marketing projects work you have done during your studies
- I know that adding a picture is not common on CVs. But maybe that exactly why you could add it. you would certainly stand out PLUS it helps building raport with the recruiter

And most of all: if you do not get picked, don't be shy to ask why you were not chosen. That way you demonstrate to the recruiter, that you were really interested in the job, you can learn from the feedback - maybe you missed something in your CV or didn't describe something well enough. It gives you a chance to constantly improve your CV or even to clarify some points directly with the recruiter.

Good luck

Previous posters are absolutely right, you must get experience and stay on top of trends. Unfortunately, most advertising majors will be doing this too. To really stand out, demonstrate your work. Create an online portfolio using squarespace or another free platform. Build a campaign from start to finish, even if it is just to promote a campus volunteering event. When you highlight projects you have done and campaigns you have run or planned, be sure to get detailed not just in results but by showing what the objective was, what channels you decided to use and why, how you measured success, and the results. The actual results are the least important part at this point in your career, show potential employers that you were thorough and detailed in your thought process and planning/ analysis to set yourself apart.

Hi Amanda!

Advertising can be very interesting, challenging, and competitive. Here are some suggestion to follow:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URdcilrVfQs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaoIsPZAgck
http://www.aef.com/industry/careers/career_info

Best of luck! I would like to follow your progress!