Advertising & Public Relations

Brief Overview

Advertising

A $250 billion-a-year business, advertising has become one of the driving forces of the American economy. The public can be convinced to buy all sorts of products and services that they probably ordinarily wouldn’t if left to their own devices. This huge industry offers numerous and very profitable careers for people who enjoy a fast-paced, competitive work environment.

Small ad agencies employ only the people who develop the advertisement concepts and contract out most of the work involved in actually creating the ad. Large agencies have huge staffs that both develop an ad’s concept and do most of the work of creating it, but even large agencies can rarely employ all the staff needed to create a commercial or print ad.

Both large and small agencies contract out work to a whole variety of people, including graphic artists, filmmakers and crews, film editors, musicians who play jingles, and models or actors who pose or act in ads. Both large and small ad agencies also employ business people, who keep track of the finances and work directly with client companies, and marketers, who research buyers and figure out the best method for distributing ads.

In general, ad agencies look for well-rounded candidates with both an artistic flare and a knack for numbers. They look for high-energy people, and students who make good grades at tough schools while participating in other activities demonstrate that they can juggle many tasks at once and still succeed at them all.

Taken from Career Prospects in Virginia.

Public Relations

Acting as the voice of an organization or company, public relations representatives talk to the media and the public on behalf of organizations and individuals. They also organize publicity campaigns, advertisements and special events to enhance a company’s image. While they often work for a large company, they also can work for an individual in the public eye, such as a politician, actor, or athlete. Some work for non-profit organizations and others work in government offices. Many work in large public relations firms that handle many different clients. Wherever they work, public relations people always seek to improve a client’s image. When bad things happen at an organization (think Enron) public relations representatives attempt to put a good face on things, minimizing the damage. When nobody has ever heard of a client, public relations representatives work to get the client known by “pitching” story ideas to reporters and staging publicity events. Their goal is always to put the client in the best possible light.

Much of their work revolves around planning and coordinating their clients’ public appearances. They also write press releases for newspapers and television and write speeches for their clients to deliver. They often appear on radio or TV on behalf of their clients, attempting to “spin” a particular message that they hope will alter or bolster public opinion.

Taken from Career Prospects in Virginia.

Helpful Tips

Internships in Advertising and Public Relations can be very competitive. It’s important to start the search early and network with employers. Some companies such as Starcom and Hill & Knowlton have come to campus for Career Fairs and posted on Go IRISH in the past, but it’s important to research additional sites.

Learn more about the industry and research specific companies on the Vault and WetFeet.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Employment trends and job outlook information in Advertising & Public Relations.

Internship Links

Develop Your Own Internship

Students can also contact employers directly to create internship opportunities.

Networking

Tips for networking with family, friends, and Notre Dame alumni. Learn how to obtain access to the Irish Online alumni database.

Professional & Student Organizations

Professional organizations provide excellent contacts for networking and informational interviews. In some cases they may post jobs and internships on their websites.

Advertising Organizations

Public Relations Organizations

Student Organizations