Find Yourself in Advertising
|
 |
by Gabby Hyman
gabby.hyman@hqpublications.com
Design Programs Columnist
You need a creative twinkle in your eye and a thirst to satisfy a customer's needs to build a successful advertising career. An advertising job is not for everyone. The competition is fierce, and the challenge to stay atop the trends in digital design technology can be daunting.
Fortunately, there are advertising schools and design-trade academies (both on campus and online) that offer degree and certification programs to sharpen your chops on the latest software.
Get Creative with an Advertising Program
Fortunately, there are advertising schools and design-trade academies (both on campus and online) that offer degree and certification programs to sharpen your chops on the latest software.Graduates of advertising schools find themselves equipped to work across a broad range of design disciplines. They take positions with design boutiques, or large advertising agencies. Many work directly for large corporate internal advertising and marketing divisions.
There are advertising jobs in broadcast design labs or with new media and Internet push advertising teams that create banners, email, and direct-mail campaigns. You may end up creating print and magazine ad campaigns; or you could create logos, packaging, trademarks, and other branding symbols. Top pay goes to designers that climb up the company ladder to management roles, such as creative directors or team managers.
Evaluating Your Training
If you've decided to enroll in an advertising school, it's important to set your goals ahead of time and examine the program offerings. Whether you're attending a program on campus or studying through an online school, consider the access you'll have to professors, the credentials and business experience of the faculty, and the track records of graduates.
Does the school have a job placement program or industry contacts? Many people have to begin as interns or entry-level illustrators. A school that helps you get in the door is well worth considering.
About the Author
Gabby Hyman has written for print and online media for more than 20 years. He has created online content for eToyds, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Avaya, and Nissan UK. He has also been a web consultant to the Governer of California. As an author of fiction, journalism, and poetry, Gabby is a former English professor for the University of Illinois, University of Alaska, and Old Dominion University. He holds an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Alabama.
|
| |
