Expert: Sean Trapani - 8/9/2009

Question
I am looking forward to apply for MS in advertising in some US college as an international student. I am slightly confused regarding whether a MS in Advt. would suffice my needs or not. I want to work  as  communication expert and work in social development sector after my MS degree. I consider advertising as an important part of communicating important and socially relevant things to common public around the world, but I can be wrong. If you can suggest then do, regarding a better course which could suffice to my needs, if not masters in advt.

Answer
Hello, Kartik

It's not that the degree is wrong, but your description is vague.

There are a lot of different careers in advertising that each require different training, skills and talents on the part of the practitioner. A "communication expert" is too general of a description. An expert in writing? Art direction? Graphic design? Interactive design? Strategy? Media planning?

All of these would be "communication experts" that would work in the field of mass communication.

That said, I would recommend that you select the school on the basis of the specific position you would like to attain. That will require some research on your part and much of it will be purely subjective. But first learn what the title would be on your first business card, and then seek a school/portfolio program known specifically for that.


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