Hey, everyone. As my senior year quickly approaches, I am considering a major in the fields of advertising/integrated marketing/public relations. What I’d really like to do is pursue a career in copywriting/art direction or as a public relations representative, but get a well-rounded education so I can learn everything I can about the industry. C(Basically, I’m not looking into the art school advertising design programs.) Creativity is truly my passion. However, being the anxious person I am, I have a few questions.
How much money do these jobs REALLY make? I’ve heard people say that good, experienced agency copywriters only make around $50,000-$60,000/yr, but others have said that the numbers are nearing six figures. Not sure if it matters, but I’m from a small suburban town in NJ that is only a few miles from the heart of New York City. Would this improve or hinder the pay or job prospects at all? Would I be able to make enough to have a comfortable living?
How truly difficult is it to get a job in these fields if you do internships and have good connections in college? Again, I’ve heard very mixed responses to this question.
Also, what are some good schools for these majors? Right now, I’m looking at the programs at Boston University, Penn State, Ithaca College, Fordham University, etc.
All responses are appreciated. 
I will try to answer your first two questions. I have worked in advertising as account services for the last 10 years in New York (and also a year in an agency in China). I will tell you what I saw in the real world.
How much money do these jobs really make? It seems you are aiming for copywriting gigs in the future. This is a very important role in any type of advertising agency. Advertising has a low entry bar. People from different fields can easily get into the industry without an education from marketing or advertising. With that said, the entry-level positions are highly competitive with relatively low salary. However, once you have established your reputation, you will get a promotion quickly within two years (sometimes even shorter) along with a salary increase. Bigger increases usually from job changes, however, I don’t recommend that from personal experiences.
How truly difficult is it to get a job in these fields if you do internships and have good connections in college? As mentioned above, advertising has a low entry bar. So it’s easy for people from various background to get into this industry. However, if you already have internship and connections, the chances are much bigger. You will also likely land in a job with a big agency network (such as Omnicom, IPG, and WPP).
I don’t have much to offer at this point for your last question in regards to school programs. My suggestion is that regardless the school you choose, try to select a minor not related to advertising. It can be a language, or specific industry such as healthcare management (healthcare marketing is huge and this is the sub-industry I am specialized in). Again, this is because advertising has a low entry bar. Additional knowledge and experiences can not only help you to specialize in a field and add advantage compared to other candidates, but also serves as a backup in case you later find out advertising is not your true calling.
Good luck!
P.S. I just started a new discussion in this forum about advertising career for college students and new grads. Check it out and see if you are interested in participating in discussions.
Also, you don’t have to major in advertising or PR to go into the fields…most people who go into the field probably didn’t major in those fields, since they aren’t offered at many colleges. Marketing is more readily available, but if you want to write copy then a major in English or communications may also serve you well. (I’m just saying - don’t narrow yourself only to colleges that offer an advertising major).
Also - $50-60K is enough for a comfortable living, even in New York, but especially in less expensive metros.
@OnTheGround @julliet
Thanks for the responses! I posted this thread when I first began looking at similar programs and at this point in time, I have officially applied to a number of schools with the intended major of advertising. I have been accepted to colleges like Penn State and Ithaca College, though I’m having a tough time choosing between their programs. (One is a large state school and the other is a small, specialized private school.)
Is advertising fulfilling? I’ve considered going into law, however, I’ve read too many times how many corporate lawyers hate their jobs. What is the agency atmosphere like? Is it open desks or largely suit-and-tie cubicle work?