Hi everyone! As an advertising major here at COM, I’ve had the opportunity to get hands-on copywriting and design experience inside the classroom! It’s amazing to know that my professors are working to prepare me for life in the advertising industry! I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to take such exciting classes.
In one of my classes, Creative Development, our professor assigns us a specific client each week, like Weight Watchers, Boston Public Health Commission or Happy Tot Baby Foods, and asks us to create the concept for a billboard ad, print ad or direct mailing piece for the brand or organization. The class is generally split between copywriters and art directors, so two students work together on the project. It really has helped us learn about what it takes to work successfully in a group setting. We also have to present our ideas in front of the class, which gives us great public speaking experience. Presentation skills are definitely useful, especially in the advertising industry. This class is one of my favorites because it keeps my creative juices flowing and lets me experiment and present some wild ideas!
In another one of my classes, Design and New Media I, one of our assignments was to create the concept for our own, made-up company! We’re spending the semester designing a website and promotional material for this organization! It’s so much fun to execute some wacky ideas. The sky’s the limit. Along the way, we’re learning how to use the Adobe Creative Suite, Dreamweaver and other design software. It’s amazing to take your ideas and be able to execute them right on the screen!
In my Advertising Management class, I’m learning all about the business side of the advertising industry. It takes a special set of skills to manage an account and deal with a client, and this class is teaching me all about it! We’re learning about branding, writing creative strategies, holding client meetings and other essential responsibilities of an account management position. It’s great to have a great understanding of both the creative side and business side of the industry. And a lot of the work I’m producing for my classes can be used in my portfolio too.
It’s incredible that I’m able to get such a great head start into the field! I feel like one of the “Mad (Wo)Men” already, and I haven’t even graduated yet! I hope you’re all enjoying your classes as much as I’m enjoying mine!
