Focusing on the type of job you want in advertising is the best way to choose advertising training. Basic courses that offer an overview of advertising are always recommended, but training in areas that you would be likely to use on the job can help you get advertising jobs. Your resume and cover letter could then mention the specific training you experienced in advertising courses. Generally speaking, courses in advertising and marketing are essential in helping to get advertising jobs, but the different areas of the industry are associated with different subjects and training backgrounds.
For example, creative careers in advertising tend to focus on communications, marketing, English and liberal arts backgrounds. Copywriters and designers create advertising text and graphics to meet specific target audiences so courses in psychology and communications are helpful. Bachelor's degrees in advertising, communications, English or journalism are often preferred for creative positions in advertising or marketing agencies. Advertising training through internship jobs is usually a good way to get entry-level creative jobs in agencies.
Business training is best if you aspire to work as an account executive in advertising. At least a bachelor of business, marketing, public relations or communications degree is usually required to move up in positions in client services or media planning. Advertising training for market research jobs should include courses in math and statistics as well as psychology. Computer training and knowledge is important in all areas of advertising careers, but especially in research based and Internet marketing focused companies.
When choosing advertising training, consider schools with internship programs in the field. Competition for internships in advertising agencies can be fierce, so a training program that includes an internship opportunity for actual work experience in an ad agency can be valuable. Highlighting the internship experience on your resume and cover letter with references of work well done can give you a real boost in your chances of finding advertising jobs.
Other considerations when choosing advertising schools is the school's reputation, class sizes and material covered. For instance, is the course material updated to cover digital advertising and Internet marketing or does it only include information about direct mail, television, radio and print ads? Last, but certainly not least, figure out if learning on site or through the Internet would work best for you. Making a list of the pros and cons of each advertising training method and school can help you choose the best options for you.
