Rowan Advertising faculty & alumni illustrate ‘what can you do with an advertising degree?’
Long-time faculty within the advertising program at Rowan University, Professor Lou Rodolico has bridged academia and practical application within industry, for 40 years. A well-respected and popular professor, Professor Rodolico joined Rowan University in 2011 after a 27-year career as a marketing manager for media companies. Here he sheds light on ‘what can you do with an advertising degree?,” much like he does with the advertising students in his classroom.
Advertising Faculty Insight
What are the possible career paths for graduates with an advertising degree?
Advertising is everywhere—every industry and business needs a way to reach their audiences effectively. That means graduates with an advertising degree have an array of career options spanning industries such as healthcare, education, entertainment, technology, fashion, retail, financial services, nonprofits, and government agencies.
Advertising graduates can work in-house (directly for a company or brand), at an advertising agency, or even as freelancers or consultants. Within these settings, careers can take many different paths, including account management, creative strategy, copywriting, art direction, media planning and buying, brand management, digital advertising, social media strategy, influencer marketing, market research, public relations, and even data analytics.
The advertising landscape is always evolving, particularly with the growth of digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and emerging media technologies. We are preparing students not just for today’s advertising world, but for the innovations and changes that will shape the future of the industry. Rowan advertising graduates have landed executive positions in roles that didn’t even exist when they graduated, proving just how dynamic and forward-thinking this field is.
What skills are most important when seeking a job in advertising?
Creativity, strategic thinking, communication, data analysis, writing, research, and adaptability. Understanding consumer behavior, emerging digital trends, and having strong presentation skills are also essential.
What is the best way that students can prepare themselves for the advertising field prior to graduating? What is your best piece of advice for students who will be graduating with a degree in advertising?
Get hands-on experience as early as possible. Enroll in practicum courses, complete multiple internships, and join professional organizations such as the American Advertising Federation (AAF), Ad Club, or ProfAgency. Go to networking events hosted on campus. Develop meaningful relationships with your professors. The foundation of your network starts here, as an undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in advertising.
Why is internship experience important prior to graduation?
Your competition will have it. Advertising is an industry where practical experience is highly valued. Working at an agency or in a company’s advertising, marketing, communications or public relations department provides exposure to real client projects, campaign strategies, and company culture—insights that can’t always be fully grasped in the classroom.
That said, we recognize that not all students can commit to a traditional internship due to work, family, or other responsibilities. If that’s the case, there are still many ways to build experience: volunteer to help a local nonprofit with their advertising efforts, assist a professor with research on advertising trends, contribute to an advertising club’s projects, or contribute to your local community – whether that means supporting a political campaign or starting a fundraising campaign for a grassroots environmental endeavor. There are many paths to gaining the experience and skills needed to stand out in the advertising industry—it’s all about being proactive and engaged both inside and outside the classroom.
Advertising Alumni Success Highlights
Erika Solis
After her 2019 graduation, Erika Solis gained industry experience and continued her schooling. Leaning into developing skills in analytics, she has held positions that leverage her strengths in research, analysis and writing. Today Erika is a Ph.D. candidate at Penn State University, earning her doctorate in mass communication. She previously worked at a think tank in Washington, DC.
Julia Phillips
With experience spanning sports, nonprofit and corporate, Julia Phillips has centered her career on developing well-rounded skillsets across industries. Today she is the manager of advertising and brand strategy for Lincoln Financial. She attained this position in 2022 after establishing her career in 2017.
Be Part of the Future of Advertising
Earn your bachelor’s degreein advertising from Rowan University to set this path in motion. Our students’ voices and experiences speak for themselves.