Expert: Peter Gabany - 1/12/2006

Question
Thankyou, I will look into that.  
I live in Dickinson North Dakota right now but plan to pursue everything (career, college, the rest of my life, etc.) in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

My intentions of going into Advertising as I study toward my doctorate in Psychology are to provide money for my schooling and a stable job for my family, and also to get a feel for the field.  

I am still undecided as to which field I should pursue or which I would like better.  I have much experience in Couseling Psychology and it has been my interest and a part of my life forever, but I also am considering pursuing Advertising because I have the skill, I believe it will interest me, and it may be a more fast paced career.  I love doing speeches, persuading people, problem solving, presenting, researching etc. and I believe that Advertising may use more of those skills.

But I do love helping people, talking with them, analyzing their problems etc. and I do feel more of a pull to Psychology.  And in taking a major in Psychology I hope to 'kill two birds with one stone' and be able to pursue both of the fields I am intersted in without excessive schooling.

Thank you,
Nicole Volesky

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Followup To
Question -
  Hi, I have a question about obataining a position is advertising.  I was wondering if it would be possible for me to obtain a position in Advertising with a B.S. Degree in Psychology and a minor in Communications?  
  
  If I could, what position do you think I should seek?  

  I hope to work in Advertising as I study toward my Psy.D in Couseling Psychology. If I like Advertising I may stay in the field but I ultimately plan to open my own practice as a Counseling Psychologist.

  I am very outgoing, creative, and persuasive and I believe that I would have the qualifications for Advertising, but I am not sure if a company would overlook me because I do not have any formal education in Advertising or Marketing.

  I am still a high school Senior so I am able to change my plans if need be.  That is why I wanted to make sure I could obtain the job before I started anything.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Nicole Volesky
Answer -
Nicole,

You have to go and make some visits and do some leg work. You need to visit a mental hospital and determine what it is that you may be doing later in life. Visit a clinical psychologist – please – and ask the hard questions of what it is the do, how is their job rewarding, is it all they thought it would be and any other questions you can ask to determine if it is worth the investment of education, time and sacrifice.

Then I would definitely visit at least one ad agency and a design agency and find out what positions are available in this vast field. If I knew approximately where you lived I could direct you better. Note there are jobs in radio, TV, web, print, copywriting, photography, design, illustration, production, post production, media sales, planning, buying, research, statistics, behaviour science, account management and a host more. But a trip to an ad and design agency will demonstrate to you that a background in psychology is VERY helpful in the role of some ad positions.

I mean what I say in all seriousness. But if your intention is to eventually open your own practice as a counseling psych then why the sidestep into advertising. Both occupations take a great level of understanding, education and above all passion.

Do you tours. Let me knkow what you find out. invest the little time here to determine if advertising OR psychology is the road to take.

By the way I too took sociology, phsychology and philosophy before getting into advertising or design. I thought that they were a waste of time - although i did well in each of them. I was wrong. I use them as much or more every day compared to my technical skills.

Good luck and cheers!

Pete

Answer
Nicole,

Well in the business of advertising and design there is LOTS of opportunity to have people's need for an ear. DAILY! This makes for a great opportunity in accounts. As an account supervisor your job will be to maximize the efficiency of the ad plan or optimize the effectiveness of design. But what I have found is that the job objective may be that but the role of the account person is relationship building and stabilization.

Drop the ball in that department and the agency looses a client. Here is my favourite area to find agencies - I'm certain that you will find a vast treasure trove of agencies in Minneapolis - such as Fallon - one of the best in the world. Also look up Duffy & Partners - a leading design consultancy- 710 Second Street South, Suite 602 Minneapolis - (612) 548-2333. Another world leader - in my opinion.

What you tell me – love doing speeches, persuading people, problem solving, presenting, researching etc. and I believe that Advertising may use more of those skills. – you'd be a natural. In fact I wish you lived here because we could use another account person.

I hope your journey is a good one. I know that if you get to meet with these people your eyes will be opened so far you will pee your pants with excitement. By the way - Minneapolis for whatever reason is ad agency and design agency Mecca. There are some truly great agencies and work that originates from that neck of the woods.

Please stay in touch.

Pete