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First, some facts. Of the Advertising graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 780 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 61%, Advertising graduates have a lower likelihood (-6%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 14% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Advertising graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2011 from The Art Institutes with a Bachelors in Advertising. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSenior Print Production Manager InnerWorkings Mar 2014 - Oct 2020 Senior Print Production Manager HH Global Oct 2020 - Present ABOUTSpecialties: Print Procurement Project Management POP Direct Mail Digital/Conventional Reproduction Data/Variable/Lettershop USPS Knowledge Graphic Design/Page Layout Print Sales |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the career paths of individuals with degrees in Advertising, it becomes quite evident that their job trajectories vary significantly, with some aligning closely with their field of study and others diverging into different realms altogether. The most common roles among these graduates seem to fall into a few key areas: marketing management, social media and content creation, account management, and advertising strategy. Interestingly, while many positions directly utilize skills honed during their educational training, others reflect a more liberal application of those competencies or even a complete detour from traditional advertising roles.
Positions such as Marketing Coordinators and Social Media Managers frequently appear in the data. These roles often involve the implementation of advertising principles—like crafting targeted messaging and engaging effectively with an audience—which are central to an Advertising education. Graduates demonstrate strong relevance in these roles, utilizing the strategic communication, creative problem-solving, and campaign management skills developed during their studies. Conversely, roles such as Sales Representatives or Account Managers show a less direct link. While they may involve elements of marketing or communication, the focus is primarily on sales strategies and client management, which does not require as much specialized knowledge of advertising principles.
Creativity-centric roles, such as Art Directors and Copywriters, often strongly connect to the skills acquired in Advertising programs, showcasing a direct application of design and persuasive communication capabilities. These positions represent the ideal paths for many graduates passionate about creative expression within advertising contexts. However, it's important to note that a significant portion of the individuals analyzed have taken paths that do not heavily utilize their advertising skill set, choosing roles in customer service, management, or sales where the connection to advertising may be more general or peripheral.
In conclusion, while many jobs held by Advertising graduates are relevant to their degree, the landscape reflects a mixed picture. Certain positions deeply align with the competencies developed in academic settings, like marketing management and creative roles, whereas others veer into less direct applications of advertising skills. It’s a reminder that a degree in Advertising can open the door to a variety of career opportunities, including ones that may not seem immediately connected to the field but still benefit from strong communication and strategic thinking abilities.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Advertising graduates:
When diving into the career trajectories of Advertising graduates, it's pretty eye-opening to see how their paths unfold after finishing school. Most notably, many of these graduates initially land positions that are either directly related to advertising or in adjacent fields like marketing and media. For instance, a common starting point for these individuals tends to be roles like marketing assistant or intern positions that focus on related skills such as digital marketing coordination, branding, and client relationships. Such entry-level jobs allow graduates to gain hands-on experience in a practical environment, which is vital in the fast-paced world of advertising.
Fast forward five to ten years after graduation, and the picture gets a bit more diverse. Many graduates manage to climb the ranks, securing more senior roles such as account executives, copywriters or even creative directors within prestigious advertising agencies. It’s encouraging to see that numerous individuals have transitioned from relatively junior positions into interesting specialist roles or management positions at big-name companies, demonstrating the potential for growth within the industry. However, it's not all sunshine and success stories. A noticeable number of graduates seem to veer off the traditional advertising path, taking jobs that seem unrelated to their studies. For example, several have ended up in sales, administrative roles, or even in completely different sectors within tech and finance, suggesting that while many find their way back to the advertising world, others drift into myriad fields, often feeling a disconnect from their original aspirations in advertising.
In conclusion, the trajectory of Advertising graduates paints a mixed picture. While many enjoy successful and relevant careers, a considerable portion finds themselves in positions that diverge significantly from their degrees. This may not necessarily indicate failure, as individuals often adapt and find fulfillment in unexpected areas. Still, it's essential for students considering Advertising to recognize the competitive nature of the field and the importance of networking and gaining experience during their studies to set themselves up for success.
A Bachelor’s degree in Advertising can be a bit of a mixed bag; it’s not the easiest degree out there, but it’s also not the hardest. You’re going to have to juggle the fun creative stuff like designing ads and coming up with catchy slogans with some serious theory and research on consumer behavior and marketing strategies. If you enjoy being creative and working on projects, you might find it pretty engaging, but there will definitely be some late nights and group projects that can get a bit stressful. So, while it’s certainly challenging, it’s not impossible—just be prepared to put in some effort and be super organized!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Advertising.
So, looking at these advertising graduates and their career trajectories, it seems like some have found really solid roles that could likely bring in good money, especially those who landed positions as analysts, account managers, or in higher executive roles. For example, graduates from schools like The University of Texas at Austin and Boston University have progressed into senior positions at big companies like LinkedIn, Dentsu, or even have director roles—these tend to be lucrative jobs. However, some folks from less prestigious schools or with earlier career stages have had jobs that likely don’t pay as much, like marketing interns or entry-level positions, especially in less competitive fields or companies.
In general, it's clear that advertising can be a lucrative field, especially for those landing good opportunities soon after graduation. However, it also seems that some graduates are still finding their footing and may not be making the big bucks yet. So, it really varies based on the job type and the companies they work for. Those who are hustling early on, building networks, and gaining experience can eventually work their way up the pay ladder, while others might have to grind through lower-paying roles for a bit longer. Bottom line—advertising has potential for decent money, but it's all about where you end up and how quickly you can climb those rungs!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Advertising. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Advertising (ordered by the average relevance score of their Advertising graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Brigham Young University
|
77 | 13 |
 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
|
76 | 22 |
 Central Michigan University
|
75 | 10 |
 The University of Texas at Austin
|
72 | 39 |
 University of Oregon
|
67 | 27 |
 Temple University
|
66 | 24 |
 Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Georgia
|
65 | 12 |
 Ball State University
|
64 | 12 |
 The University of Alabama
|
62 | 17 |
 University of Houston
|
60 | 10 |
 Texas Tech University
|
60 | 17 |
 University of Oklahoma
|
60 | 12 |
 Iowa State University
|
59 | 13 |
 The University of Georgia
|
57 | 18 |
 Texas State University
|
56 | 16 |
 Michigan State University
|
54 | 50 |
 University of Florida
|
51 | 23 |
 Rowan University
|
51 | 15 |