A career in advertising can be exciting and pay a very lucrative wage. Consequently, jobs are in high demand and competition is stiff. For the best opportunities you will need extensive training and a degree. To succeed in this field you will need high energy levels, a tremendous amount of creativity, and be willing to work long hours and travel.The Payoff Can be SignificantAccording to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, in May 2004 the median annual income for advertising managers was $63,610, but salaries can easily top $100,000 in top firms. According to a 2005 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, starting salaries for graduates of an advertising program averaged $31,340.Getting Your Degree in AdvertisingA typical degree program in advertising will cover typography, design, color theory and imaging, branding and marketing, and strategies in marketing and advertising. You can expect a fairly rigorous course-load to cover a variety of software and computer technology, publishing principles, as well as courses in identifying and reaching a target audience.The outlook for those in advertising and marketing is quite rosy. Employment in this field is expected to grow faster than average, according to the Department of Labor. Those with the necessary training and degree will have the best opportunities. In this highly competitive field it is extremely beneficial to seek out internship opportunities while still in school. The combination of experience on the job, training, and a degree can help you rise above the competition when it comes time to enter the workforce.
A career in advertising can be exciting and pay a very lucrative wage. Consequently, jobs are in high demand and competition is stiff. For the best opportunities you will need extensive training and a degree. To succeed in this field you will need high energy levels, a tremendous amount of creativity, and be willing to work long hours and travel.
The Payoff Can be Significant
According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, in May 2004 the median annual income for advertising managers was $63,610, but salaries can easily top $100,000 in top firms. According to a 2005 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, starting salaries for graduates of an advertising program averaged $31,340.
Getting Your Degree in Advertising
Today, advertising is one of the most important means of launching a new product and continuing to build brand loyalty for existing customers. Advertising majors who have strong communications skills are particularly in demand to help develop new digital, mobile and Internet ad campaigns to reach new audiences.
As a result, it’s important to have analytical skills, as well as knowledge of alternative ad format and international markets in order to make yourself a competitive candidate. Jobs in the field are generally for in-house advertising management, as well as at dedicated advertising agencies, where a premium is placed on cross-channel marketing.
Students will often begin their carers as account managers, working directly with clients as they advance to more senior strategic positions as creative directors and product managers.
Browse a list of schools offering bachelor degrees in marketing & advertising.
Advertising Career Outlook
The outlook for those in advertising and marketing is quite rosy. Employment in this field is expected to grow faster than average, according to the Department of Labor. Those with the necessary training and degree will have the best opportunities. In this highly competitive field it is extremely beneficial to seek out internship opportunities while still in school. The combination of experience on the job, training, and a degree can help you rise above the competition when it comes time to enter the workforce.
A career in advertising can be exciting and pay a very lucrative wage. Consequently, jobs are in high demand and competition is stiff. For the best opportunities you will need extensive training and a degree. To succeed in this field you will need high energy levels, a tremendous amount of creativity, and be willing to work long hours and travel.
The Payoff Can be Significant
According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, in May 2008 the median annual income for advertising managers was $70,000, but salaries can easily top $100,000 in top firms. According to a 2008 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, starting salaries for graduates of an advertising program averaged $40,000.
Getting Your Degree in Advertising
Today, advertising is one of the most important means of launching a new product and continuing to build brand loyalty for existing customers. Advertising majors who have strong communications skills are particularly in demand to help develop new digital, mobile and Internet ad campaigns to reach new audiences.
As a result, it’s important to have analytical skills, as well as knowledge of alternative ad format and international markets in order to make yourself a competitive candidate. Jobs in the field are generally for in-house advertising management, as well as at dedicated advertising agencies, where a premium is placed on cross-channel marketing.
Students will often begin their carers as account managers, working directly with clients as they advance to more senior strategic positions as creative directors and product managers.
Browse Online Degrees in Marketing & Advertising.
Courses & Degree Levels
Advertising degrees will include a general background in business with an emphasis on marketing and advertising strategies. Course work will include classes in finance, business, management, economics and business ethics with more advanced courses in graphic design and other media advertising. It is always recommended that students majoring in advertising supplement their traditional classes with more advanced classes in computers in order to make themselves more marketable and adaptable to different business environments. In addition, since many advertisers work in teams on assigned projects, classes that promote good communication and team building skills are beneficial as well. A number of advanced degrees can be attained with an advertising undergraduate degree as well, ranging from masters degrees in business administration to masters degrees in advertising and marketing.
Advertising Career Outlook
Advertisers work in a range of industries with a variety of budgets for advertising. As such, it is difficult to predict the salaries for people in advertising, but degree holders should expect to make anywhere from $35,000 to $45,000 for advertisers starting out in graphic design or marketing with salaries in the $60,000 to $70,000 range for marketing and advertising directors. With an increasing number of avenues which an advertiser can use to reach out to potential clients, a talented advertiser is invaluable asset to any company, from non-profits and small family run businesses to large national and multinational companies. Advertisers that are comfortable using a variety of mediums to accomplish projects will give themselves the opportunity to adjust to an ever-changing and complex business landscape.
