There are four items to consider when choosing between advertising colleges: internships, admissions requirements, accreditation, and faculty. Advertising colleges are typically part of a larger community or career college, or can be an independent school. When comparing colleges, it is very important to select criteria that can be independently verified. Avoid making a decision based on marketing materials, testimonials, or statements by the institution. Advertising colleges teach students how to increase sales and improve the image of a company, keep this in mind when reviewing marketing material.
Selecting the best school should be based on your own goals, achievements and skill levels. Look for a school where you will be both challenged and successful. Review the brochure for information on specialized programs and select one that appeals to you. Advertising colleges can provide a range of programs, from visual arts to marketing to advertising project management.
The best advertising schools have a wide range of internship programs and business relationships. In the advertising industry, work experience is critical. Look for schools associated with both large and small firms, commercial and nonprofit industries, as well print and online media outlets. When looking at internship opportunities, it is important to think about the pros and cons of each type of placement. For example, a large firm will look good on your resume, but your actual involvement can be quite limited. A smaller firm may not be as well known, but might provide more actual responsibility.
In order to qualify for admission to advertising colleges, you must have a minimum high school diploma. Courses in English, technology, and visual arts are helpful. Attention to detail, mental focus, and excellent written communication skills are required to be successful in this role. Advertising positions typically have long hours and are quite demanding. Advertising college follows this same pattern.
If you are looking at the best advertising colleges in the country or state, think about what your goals are. Select a school that is able to accommodate your other obligations and responsibilities. For example, someone who is working full time may find that a school with evening courses is the best fit. Apply to the school most likely to help you meet your goals.
Make sure that the school is accredited. Accreditation is a process of external review by an outside agency. These reviews ensure that the course materials are accurate and the training meets a specific standard. This allows the courses to be transferred to different academic institutions as equivalent courses. This is important as many people transfer schools before graduating.
Most advertising colleges provide the biographies of their faculty or instructors on their website. The information listed typically includes the academic credentials, work experience, special training, and any awards they may have received. Take the time to look for the biographies of the actual instructors you will have. Many schools have a very well known dean or senior administrator. However, they do not teach any classes.
People who report the greatest satisfaction with advertising colleges want to work in the advertising industry, enjoy a challenge, and are naturally creative. The workload in this program is quite heavy and most students find that a significant amount of effort is required to bring their work up to the required standard.
