What Can I Do With a Major In Advertising?
UGA Specific Information for Advertising
Advertising is a dynamic field that combines creativity, strategy, and psychology to craft compelling campaigns across various platforms, including digital, print, social media, and broadcast. It focuses on shaping messages, creating brand identities, and influencing consumer behavior to connect brands with consumers and drive engagement.
Why Choose Advertising?
A degree in Advertising equips students with skills in:
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Creative Campaign Development: Designing attention-grabbing ads and brand messages.
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Consumer Psychology & Market Research: Understanding audience behavior and decision-making.
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Digital & Social Media Strategy: Leveraging online platforms for impactful marketing.
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Brand Management & Storytelling: Building strong brand identities and loyalty.
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Data Analytics & Ad Optimization: Using insights to refine strategies and measure success.
Career Paths in Advertising
Graduates can pursue careers in various sectors:
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Advertising Agencies: Developing campaigns for multiple clients.
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Corporate Brand Marketing: Managing the image and outreach of individual companies.
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Social Media & Influencer Marketing: Creating viral content and digital experiences.
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Media Buying & Strategy: Determining optimal ad placement for maximum impact.
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Creative Direction & Copywriting: Crafting compelling visuals and messages.
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Market Research & Consumer Insights: Understanding trends to shape advertising strategies.
Distinction Between Advertising and Public Relations: Advertising focuses on paid media and creative campaigns to promote products or services. Public Relations (PR) centers on building relationships and managing reputation through earned media
Distinction Between Advertising and Marketing: Marketing is a broad, comprehensive strategy focused on building relationships and addressing customer needs, while Advertising is a specific, paid form of promotion within that strategy.
Class of 2024 Career Outcomes for Advertising*
** Includes Self-Employed
Campus Resources
1. Academic & Advising Resources:
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Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication Advising: Guidance on course selection, major requirements, and career planning.
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UGA Office of Student Success and Achievement: Workshops and tutoring to support advertising coursework.
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UGA Bulletin & Course Catalog: Listings of advertising-related classes, prerequisites, and electives.
2. Student Organizations & Extracurriculars:
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UGA AdClub: Student organization offering networking, speaker events, and agency visits.
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Talking Dog Agency: UGA’s student-run advertising and PR agency, providing hands-on experience with real clients.
3. Career Development & Experiential Learning:
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UGA Career Center: Career coaching, resume workshops, and job fairs for advertising majors.
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UGA Study Abroad & Global Engagement: International programs focused on advertising, digital marketing, and brand strategy.
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Experiential Learning & Industry Competitions: Includes National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC), Cannes Young Lions Competition, and virtual internships/freelance projects.
4. Communication & Networking Opportunities:
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Alumni & Industry Speaker Events: Talks and networking sessions hosted by Grady College featuring advertising professionals.
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UGA Mentor Program: Connects advertising students with alumni and professionals for mentorship.
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UGA Writing & Presentation Coaching: Resources for refining pitch decks, ad copy, and communication skills.
5. Campus Media & Digital Platforms:
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Grady College Digital Media Lab: Tools and software for graphic design, video editing, and digital content creation.
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UGA Libraries Advertising & Marketing Resources: Research databases, case studies, and media archives.
Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations
Employers seek graduates who demonstrate:
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Teamwork & Collaboration
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Adaptability & Problem-Solving
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Project Management
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Data Literacy & Analytical Skills
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Proficiency with Creative Tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Google Analytics, social media platforms)
Common Entry-Level Roles and Career Progression:
Entry-Level: Account Coordinator, Media Planner, Social Media Specialist, Copywriter, Digital Marketing Analyst, Graphic Designer.
Example Progression: Account Manager > Art Director > Creative Director
Example Progression: Media Assistant > Media Buyer > Media Director
Portfolio Requirement: A portfolio is highly recommended for creative roles (copywriting, art direction, design). For strategy or account roles, case studies and project summaries are valuable.
Typical Starting Salaries: Entry-level advertising positions typically range from $40,000–$55,000 per year, varying by location and role.
The Future of Advertising
The industry continuously evolves with AI-driven marketing, interactive content, and personalized brand experiences. Successful advertisers combine creativity with data-driven decision-making to ensure innovative and impactful campaigns. Key trends include artificial intelligence and automation, influencer and content marketing, and sustainability/purpose-driven branding.
Representation in Advertising
The advertising industry is committed to representative messaging and talent. Explore these resources:
Additional Study Options: Many graduates pursue a Master’s in Advertising, Emerging Media, or Mass Media Studies, or an MBA with a Marketing concentration.
or a Graduate Certificate in
You may also be interested in Certificates in
Additional Career Research Resources
For comprehensive career planning and industry insights, consider the following resources:
1. Industry Career Outlook & Employment Trends:
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ONET Online: Provides job descriptions, required skills, and employment projections.
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Offers salary data and expected job growth rates in advertising, marketing, and media-related roles.
2. Advertising & Marketing Industry Insights:
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AdAge: Covers trends, case studies, and innovations in advertising.
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Adweek: Industry news, trends, and career advice.
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MarketingWeek: Focuses on global marketing and advertising strategies.
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HubSpot Marketing Blog: Insights on digital and inbound marketing techniques.
3. Digital & Social Media Advertising Tools:
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Google Ads Certification: Learn pay-per-click advertising strategies.
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Meta Blueprint: Training on Facebook & Instagram advertising.
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Hootsuite Academy: Courses on social media marketing and analytics.
4. Consumer Behavior & Market Research Resources:
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Nielsen: Consumer trends and analytics in advertising.
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Think with Google: Reports on consumer behavior and digital media effectiveness.
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Statista: Global market data and industry trends.
5. Advertising Strategy & Creative Development:
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The D&AD Awards Archive: Showcases award-winning advertising campaigns.
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Behance: A portfolio hub for advertising professionals and creatives.
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American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s): Information on agency careers and professional development.
Employment Websites
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UGA Handshake: Internship and job postings specifically for UGA students.
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LinkedIn Jobs: Strong platform for finding advertising roles, networking, and company research.
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Glassdoor: Job postings, salary insights, and company reviews.
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Adweek Jobs: Job listings in advertising, media, and marketing across major agencies and brands.
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Ad Age Career Development: Trusted industry resource featuring job postings and company insights.
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The One Club for Creativity Jobs Board: Opportunities for roles in creative strategy, copywriting, and brand design.
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Ed2010 & Mediabistro: Internships and job listings focused on media, advertising, and content creation.
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Upwork: Marketplace for freelance advertising professionals specializing in branding, content creation, and digital strategy.
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Fiverr: Platform for creative freelancers offering services in ad copy, social media marketing, and design.
Professional Associations/Resources
1. National & International Advertising Associations:
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American Advertising Federation (AAF): A leading industry organization providing networking, education, and career resources.
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American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s): Information on agency careers and professional development.
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American Marketing Association (AMA): Offers resources for marketing and advertising professionals.
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Association of National Advertisers (ANA): Provides industry research and training.
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International Advertising Association (IAA): A global network for advertising professionals and students.
2. Student & Emerging Professional Resources:
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UGA Ad Club: Opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals, competitions, and scholarships.
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The One Club for Creativity: Community focused on advertising creativity, providing mentorship, workshops, and awards.
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The LAGRANT Foundation Scholarships: For underrepresented students in advertising/PR.
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UGA Marketing & Advertising Competitions: Case competitions and pitch events. Contact the department heads for more information.
3. Educational & Industry Publications:
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Adweek: Leading publication covering advertising trends, brand strategy, and agency news.
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Ad Age: Industry insights, thought leadership, and emerging trends in advertising.
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Journal of Advertising Research: Academic research on consumer behavior, brand engagement, and digital advertising strategies.
4. Networking & Professional Development:
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Atlanta Ad Club: Regional industry events, job boards, and professional networking opportunities.
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UGA Mentor Program: Connects UGA graduates in the advertising industry for mentorship.
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Industry Conferences & Competitions: Events like Cannes Lions, AAF’s National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC), and ANA Conferences.
Employers/Position Titles Reported by Class of 2024 Advertising Majors
The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2024 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.
Employer | Position Title(s) |
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20North Marketing | Business Development Representative | 20North Marketing | Business Development Representative | 20North Marketing | Business Development Representative | 20North Marketing | Media Analyst | Abercrombie & Fitch | Assistant Merchant | Accenture | Sales Development Representative | Aiko Brands | Social Media Coordinator | ALKU | Account Manager | Anomaly | Social Strategy Intern | Atlanta Braves | Event Sales Coordinator | BBDO Atlanta | Junior Strategist | Bipper Media | Account Executive | Blue Skies | Event coordinator | Bluevault | Marketing Specialist | BODYARMOR Sports Nutrition | Retail Execution Specialist | BODYARMOR Sports Nutrition | Retail Execution Specialist | Bourne Creatives | A&R | Britannica Home Fashions, Inc. | Marketing Coordinator | Bull Realty | Office Manager | Burson | Social Analyst | Carroll Daniel Construction | Marketing Coordinator | Chandley Communications Inc. | Account Coordinator | Choice Media and Communications | Digital Media Intern | Cox Enterprises | Associate Product Manager | Cox Enterprises | Social Media and Marketing Specialist | CultureSpeed Communications | Account Coordinator | Daikin Comfort | Accelerated Management Program Associate | Deloitte | Tax Technology Consultant | Dick's Sporting Good | Team Lead of Customer Service | Edelman | Assistant Account Executive | Effectv | Account Executive | Effectv | Account Manager | Envida Social | Social Strategist | EverSpark Interactive | Account Manager | EXACT Sports | Digital Marketing Specialist | EXACT Sports | Digital Marketing Specialist | Fitzco | Associate Media Planner | Florida A&M University | Digital Media Coordinator | Gallagher | Client Service Associate | Georgia Baptist Mission Board | Campus Missionary | Get Engaged Media | Celebrity and Brand Partnerships Account Associate | Ginger Howard Selections | E-Commerce Specialist | h2o creative group | Social Media Specialist | Heritage GA | Associate Director of Marketing & Guest Services | Home Accent | Marketing Associate | Insight Global | Recruiter | Insight Global | Recruiter | IPG health | Associate Engagement Strategy | It Is Well Healthcare | Marketing Director & Reception | JetFuel | Creative Coordinator | Joele Frank | Account Associate | Katz Media Group | Sales Coordinator | Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP | Marketing & Business Development Coordinator | Lee & Associates | Marketing Specialist | Legends | Store & Merchandise Supervisor | Locum Tenens | Account Sales Representative | Martin Retail Group | Account Coordinator | Modo Modo Agency | Media Associate | MORE Creative Agency | Chief Executive Officer | MullenLowe | Brand Marketing & Corp Comms Intern | Nebo Agency | Junior Strategist | Nebo Agency | Paid Media Associate | NorX Inc. | Marketing and Sales Representative | On Trend Creative Studio | Content Creator Intern | Origami Risk | Associate Product Marketing Manager | PepsiCo | Sales Management Associate | PulteGroup | Sales Consultant | Rubin Postaer and Associates | Account Coordinator | Sage Path Reply | Project Coordinator | SAP | Digital Data Analyst | Seed Social | Junior Account Manager | Select Model | Model | Self-Employed | Entrepreneur | Summit Risk Advisors | Insurance Producer | Symetra | Regional Sales Associate | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | BucVision Intern | The Classic Center | Event Planner | The Minnesota Star Tribune | Media Operations Coordinator | Third Lens Ministries | Graphic Designer | Unum | Sales Associate | Warner Bros. Discovery | Account Coordinator | Warner Bros. Discovery | Branded Entertainment Coordinator | Worldwide Technologies | Strategic Initiative Coordinator |
Graduate/Professional Schools Attended by Class of 2024 Advertising Majors
The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2024 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.
Graduate School | Program(s) |
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Boston University | Advertising, MS | University of Georgia | Emerging Media, MA | University of Georgia | Emerging Media, MA | University of Georgia | Marketing Research, MMR | University of Georgia | Journalism and Mass Comm, MA | University of Georgia | Journalism and Mass Comm, MA | University of Georgia | Journalism and Mass Comm, MA | University of Georgia | Journalism and Mass Comm, MA | University of Georgia | Journalism and Mass Comm, MA | University of Georgia | Journalism and Mass Comm, MA | University of Georgia | Urban Planning and Design, MUPD | University of Georgia | Integrated Advertising and Public Relations, MA |