<p>I am currently a college freshman interested in a career in Advertising or Public Relations. I want to transfer to a school with strong programs in these areas. I have been accepted to Boston University’s College of Communication, ant to UNC’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications. I have visited and love both schools and would be thrilled to attend either one. However, I am trying to determine if one program is much stronger than the other. Does one school have a better reputation with employers in advertising or public relations? Better job placement? Better internship opportunities? Better classes and professors? Any relevant insights would be highly appreciated. I need to make a decisions soon!
Thanks!</p>
<p>Any thoughts or suggestions on how to learn more would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>I can’t speak for UNC’s opportunities, as I don’t know much about the program, but here is my experience thus far as a rising senior in BU’s College of Communication-concentrating in Advertising. </p>
<p>Living in the city of Boston has proved to be an excellent resource for making connections, learning more about the ad industry, and getting internships-I know that UNC is in a beautiful location, but BU is right in the city which I think would offer better opportunities. </p>
<p>Professors/Classes: All of the professors I have had have been former high-level employees at major agencies, such as Hill Holiday and Arnold Worldwide (my professor 2 semesters ago even partially owned an agency). They’re great at teaching you both theory and practical skills-in my Ad Management class, my professor brought in great guest speakers from area agencies so we could learn more about the field and network. As an advertising student, you are required to take general theory courses, one creative class, and then you either move into the creative or account management track-but can take courses from both as well! I’m more into the ad management side, but I’ve taken a design class, too. </p>
<p>Not only are the professors helpful in helping you decide what you want to do, they are always willing to meet/talk on the phone/email to help you with assignments or with career advice. When applying for internships this summer, my one professor gave me a few names to address my cover letters to, which can be really helpful in those big agencies. </p>
<p>The best “class” that BU has to offer is AdLab, the nation’s largest-student run agency. Basically, you “interview” for a role on the first day of class (Account Executive, Art Director, Copywriter, Account Planner) and are placed on a team with a real client-it’s a great step into the advertising field. It’s also a great asset because it gives you real experience to put on your resume. Additionally, the professors in charge often send out potential job and internship offers from employers that know that AdLab students will certainly be qualified. </p>
<p>The public relations curriculum also offers an equal agency-PRLab and from what I’ve heard has great classes/professors as well-it’s one of the oldest and well established PR programs in the country. </p>
<p>Overall, I’ve had a stellar experience in BU’s advertising program thus far. With this summer’s job, I’ve had five internships and feel adequately prepared to enter the job market in December 2013. </p>
<p>I think it’s just a matter of if you’re looking for a city school or not-I know UNC is close to Raleigh, but it’s not the same as living in an urban environment-although Boston is great and not at all overwhelming. </p>
<p>Let me know if you have any more questions about BU! Happy to answer them :)</p>