Tips for Starting a Career in Advertising

High school and college students can prepare for entry into the advertising field by doing some or all of the following:

Develop a solid knowledge of marketing by taking classes that expose you to theories and strategies for marketing products and services.

Work for your school newspaper, magazine, or yearbook in the advertising department. You can take on roles which will give you experience designing/laying out ads, writing copy, securing advertising clients and devising ad options which meet their needs.

Create web pages and blogs regarding topics of interest. Utilize social media and other marketing techniques to promote your sites and enhance traffic. Document your success in expanding your audience.

Take on publicity and promotion roles with student clubs and organizations. Devise and execute creative plans to increase attendance at events and expand club membership.

Enroll in advertising classes and seminars where you can develop campaigns for your portfolio. Students targeting the creative department should consider specialized ad schools like “Creative Circus” or “The Portfolio Center."

Work for your campus TV or radio station where you can create and produce advertising. Often this will involve developing campaigns for public service spots for campus/community organizations.

Meet with advertising professionals for informational interviews to learn more about the field. Get recommendations for pros to target from guidance and career offices as well as family contacts.

Consider job shadowing any contacts with whom you develop a nice rapport during a school break.

Join advertising professional organizations that allow student membership. Network with members, attend student conferences and participate in student competitions (ask teachers and professors for recommendations).

Engage in as many internships as possible with local marketing, media or advertising firms. Most of these roles will be unpaid so consider coupling a part-time internship with a paid job.

By preparing in these ways, you’ll distinguish yourself from the competition and lay the foundation for a rewarding career in advertising.