Advertising

Advertising agencies play a key role in helping their clients with all aspects of marketing their product or service. From strategy and concept to execution, they guide their clients in making high-level business decisions, such as determining how to brand themselves, what tools to use, and where their advertising dollars are best spent. Companies are expanding worldwide increasing global career options in the industry, and with the popularity of the internet continuing to grow, the advertising industry is gaining new opportunities across multiple platforms.

What it Takes

  • Strong, cohesive body of work. An online portfolio is ideal, and some students will also have a print portfolio
  • Both a resume and a bio are important job search tools
  • Have your Elevator Pitch (30 second speech of who you are & what you do) ready
  • The right branding: Branding/Logo, Business Cards & Leave Behinds/Promo Pieces
  • Listings of your work on free resource sites like Behance, etc.
  • Internships will help you build relationships and learn the ropes
  • Networking is the most effective way to find work

  • Sample Job Titles

    Associate Art Director

    Art Director

    Creative Director

    Copywriter

    Planner/Strategist

    Media Buyer

    Account Executive

    Producer

    Creative Services

    Graphic Designer

    Web Designer

    Web Developer

    Strategist

    Advertising Sales

    Account Manager

    Content Strategist

    Digital Marketing Strategist

    User Experience (UX) Specialist

    Traffic Coordinator

    Web Content Provider

    For additional research go here.

  • Key Companies

    Leo Burnett

    FCB

    Digitas

    Energy BBDO

    Cramer-Krasselt

    Upshot

    Ogilvy

    Havas

    DDB

    McGarry Bowen

    Young & Rubicam

    Razorfish

  • Chicago Area Resources

    Chicago Advertising Federation - Professional Enrichment, Networking, & Community Involvement

    Chicago IMA - Chicago Chapter of the Interactive Marketing Association

    Media Advertising Club of Chicago - Events, Job Board, Resources

    Creative Dir - Directory of Chicago Visual/Media Professionals

  • National Resources

    AAAA – American Association of Advertising Agencies: News & Events, Resources

    AAF –   American Advertising Federation: News, Events, Education

    ANA -  Association of National Advertisers: Resource Library, Event, & Career Management resource