Expert: Sean Trapani - 5/26/2004

Question
Hello:

How does one get into copywriting? What education should he have, or what should one major in? Is it necessary that you live in a certain locale such as New York?

Would certain college courses be enough, or would a degree be demanded?

Answer
There are a variety of ways to get into copywriting these days. Many schools, with advertising programs, have copywriter s curriculum. Some specialty schools, like the Miami Ad School, Art Institute, College of Art & Design and the Portfolio School have copywriting programs, too, I believe.

Otherwise, a degree in English, philosophy or communications is a good foundation. I recommended a diverse course load - because, anyone can write. But, not everyone can see things differently and produce insights.

As far as locale, you don't have to be in NY at all. Don't get me wrong. If you can get a job scrubbing toilets at Hill Holliday or Saatchi on Madison Avenue, do it. There's nothing better than a big agency name on your resume. But, big agencies are everywhere: Boston, Atlanta, Miami, Chicago and the West Coast. I absolutely recommend that you start in ANY big city with ANY big agency. You can't go wrong doing that.

Sean T.