Should I go into advertising? A guide to choosing an advertising major

If you’ve ever been interested in trending commercials, social media campaigns or eye-catching billboard designs, you might be a natural fit for a career in advertising. The advertising industry blends creativity and strategy to build brands and sell products. But what does it really mean to study advertising in college? Let’s dive into what you can expect from this field and what type of careers it can lead to.

What is advertising?

Advertising is about connecting brands with their audience in meaningful ways. Advertisers analyze market trends, develop strategies to stand out in the industry and craft compelling messages. They help communicate an organization’s values, personality and promises to customers.

What will I learn as an advertising major?

As an advertising major, you’ll build a foundation in both business and creative development. Here are some of the things you can expect to learn in your major:

• Creative development: Learn how to design ads, write copy and build campaigns that capture attention.
• Media planning: Explore how to choose the right platforms for your message, from TV and print to social media and digital ads.
• Consumer behavior: Understand what motivates people to make decisions and how to use that knowledge to shape your campaigns.
• Analytics and metrics: Discover how to measure the success of your efforts using tools like Google analytics, social media insights and other data.
• Ethics in advertising: Learn about the moral responsibilities of advertisers, helping ensure your future work is effective and socially responsible.

Is advertising the right fit for you?

Advertising is a mix of art and science, making it a great fit for people who enjoy both creativity and problem-solving. Here are some signs that you will thrive in this major:

• You love brainstorming: If you’re full of ideas and enjoy thinking outside the box, you’ll likely excel in advertising.
• You’re curious about human behavior: Understanding what makes people respond and interact is key to creating effective ads.
• You’re tech-savvy: From designing visuals to analyzing data, modern advertising requires familiarity with digital tools.
• You thrive in a team environment: Most campaigns are created by groups of creatives and strategic minds working together. Teamwork is a must in this industry.

Careers in advertising

An advertising degree opens the door to a wide range of career paths. Here are some popular options:

• Copywriter: Write the words that appear in ads, website and social media posts.
• Graphic designer: Design the visuals that bring campaigns to life.
• Media buyer: Decide where and when ads should appear to maximize impact.
• Marketing manager: Oversee campaigns and ensure they align with a brand’s goals.
• Social media manger: Build a brand’s online presence through posts, ads and audience engagement.
• Account manager: Serve as a link between clients and the creative team, ensuring that campaigns meet client expectations.

The advertising industry also offers opportunities to specialize in areas like influencer marketing, search engine optimization (SEO) or experiential marketing, where brands create in-person experiences to connect with their audience.

Advertising major salary

The advertising industry offers promising salaries and career opportunities. The average annual salary in this field is $99,486, which is $34,803 more than the national average salary of $64,683. This competitive earning potential reflects the demand for skilled professionals in the field, making it a financially rewarding career choice.

What's the day-to-day like in advertising?

In advertising, no two days are the same. Depending on your role, you might spend your time:

• Brainstorming ideas with your team for a new campaign
• Writing and designing ads to fit a client’s vision.
• Researching target audiences to understand their needs and preferences.
• Analyzing the performance of a recent campaign to see what worked and what didn’t.
• Presenting ideas to clients and incorporating their feedback into your work.

This variety makes advertising an exciting field to be a part of, but it also means you’ll need the ability to stay organized, multitask and stay adaptable.

Why getting your advertising degree matters

While some skills in advertising can be self-taught, earning a degree gives you a strong foundation of knowledge along with a competitive edge in the job market. Earning your degree can also help you access networking opportunities and build a professional portfolio. Many universities offer internships that allow you to gain experience while still in school and showcase your skills to potential employers.

Central Michigan University: advertising major

At Central Michigan University (CMU), you’ll find one of the only two nationally accredited advertising programs in Michigan, recognized by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.

You can learn alongside experienced faculty who bring real-world experience and insights into the classroom. You’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to enter the industry ready to go. CMU advertising students have gotten experience through coursework and campus publications with companies like: Huntington Learning Centers, Brilliance Audio and the Great Lakes Loons.

CMU offers opportunities like getting paid to work with CM Life’s “best-in-the-nation” advertising and business department. Join the Ad Club and compete in national competitions, attend industry events and network with professionals.

With these resources and experiences, CMU’s advertising program is the perfect start to your advertising career! Whether you want to work for a global agency, start your own business or join the marketing team of your favorite brand, CMU’s program can help you get there.

Explore CMU's advertising program