Expert: Peter Gabany - 10/20/2010

Question
Hi,

I am a Year-one Undergraduate studying Communication Studies in Singapore and I'm hoping that you can help me with some of my inquiries about advertising as a career.

Firstly, in preparation for a career in the advertising industry, what kind of education do you think is necessary to have before entering this profession?

Secondly, as a professional in the advertising industry, do you think it is important to have a communication degree? (Many of the top advertising executives never studied communication in school.)

Lastly, would you advise me to work towards a general communication degree or a specialised degree in advertising if I am currently developing interest in advertising? Why?

Thank you for your time. Your help would be greatly appreciated!


Answer
It seems as though you have had direction to get a Communications Degree. This can be very helpful but a degree in Liberal Arts would be as promising.

Advertising, Design, Communications is about culture, about people. The more you know about culture the better you will be at your job. In communications courses we learn so much about the media, about writing headlines and creating interesting ads and commercials. Liberal arts teaches us about culture and the people that make up culture.

If you want a job as a technician I would say take communications.If you want a career as thought leader, a change maker you have to first understand where it is we are and where we might take it. Advertising, brand development, marketing, graphic design (all design really) is a reflection of culture and where it is today and can set people on a path of change.

Choose widely, choose wisely.

Pete