Public Relations/Advertising
The study of public relations/advertising prepares students to be effective and ethical communicators in a variety of media.
Career Fields
Account management
- Advertising agencies client services: general or specialty
- Brand manager for corporate advertising department
- Marketing and consulting companies
- Smaller agencies or freelance/self-employed: multiple roles
- Website marketing director
Strategies: Intern in several diverse agencies; develop a portfolio; join and take leadership in student professional organizations such as Duquesne Advertising Club and PRSSA; consider a certificate in Business; get experience in sales working at the Duke or local radio station; learn to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Creative Services
- Art Director for an agency
- Creative director in an agency or marketing firm
- Copywriter
- Research and development
- Web design
- Graphic design
Strategies: Develop art and design skills; intern in the creative services departments of several diverse agencies; develop a strong portfolio of writing, graphics and ideas; join student professional organizations such as Advertising Club and PRSSA; volunteer to develop materials for community and non-profit organizations; work with college magazines, radio and TV; learn to sell your ideas and take feedback and criticism; take a technical writing course.
Media
- Advertising/sales departments of newspapers and magazines
- Website advertising departments of companies
- TV and radio sales departments
- Internet marketers
- Direct marketing to customers via mail, email, radio, and TV
- Government agency publicity and media affairs
Strategies: Write for the Duquesne Duke or Duke TV; get experience in media sales working at the Duke or local radio station; intern with local media including TV, radio, newspapers and magazines; develop excellent communication and negotiation skills; build confidence and assertiveness; cultivate high energy and motivation; join and take leadership roles in student organizations.
Public Relations
- Various roles in a public relations firm
- Risk and crisis communication for a company or organization
- Media director for legislative representative or political campaign
- Fundraising for non-profits and educational institutions
- Labor relations in corporation
- Consumer affairs departments of government agencies
- Event planning and promotions
Strategies: Intern with PR and Ad agencies; write copy for promotions and PR of student organizations; get involved in event planning for student groups and a community volunteer; develop excellent communication and diplomatic skills; be willing to work under pressure and at unscheduled times; perfect your public speaking and writing skills; be prepared to speak to “unfriendly” audiences and the press with poise and confidence; cultivate high energy and motivation; join and take leadership roles in student organizations.
Public Affairs
- Government agencies (federal, state, local)
- Corporate government relations departments
- Tourism councils and chambers of commerce
- Community affairs for professional, sports, and charitable organizations
- World affairs, political and non-governmental organizations such as lobbyist groups
- Researcher for legislators or community action committees
Strategies: Intern with government agencies; participate in community action groups; volunteer in political campaigns in publicity areas; consider a minor or take coursework in Political Science or International Relations; work for election campaigns or legislators; develop strong research and writing skills; build excellent writing and communication skills.